September 11, 2018 12.11 pm This story is over 67 months old

Jailed: House burglar on drugs was confronted by victim

He claimed that he was looking for a ‘bed and breakfast’
Simon Welsh forced his way into a property in Skegness.

A burglar who was confronted inside his victim’s home has been jailed for two and a half years.

Simon Welsh, 31, forced his way into the property in Albert Avenue, Skegness, while the occupier was out at work.

A neighbour noticed Welsh and a female accomplice acting suspiciously outside the property and called police.

Lisa Hardy, prosecuting, said that the owner of the property returned home when police officers were arriving.

Miss Hardy said: “The patio door was open and the defendant was in the kitchen. He claimed he was looking for his bed and breakfast accommodation.

“The defendant was polite and apologetic to the householder but abusive to the police officer.

“He said he had taken a number of pills and was taken to hospital. When he was returned to custody he admitted burglary but he declined to name his female accomplice.”

A laptop was found missing at the property and a jewellery box was found on the defendant when he was searched by the police.

Lincoln Crown Court was told that Welsh had 49 previous convictions for a total of 111 offences.

Welsh, of Monkwood Road, Rawmarsh, South Yorkshire, admitted burglary on August 9.

Chris Jeyes, in mitigation, said: “Welsh has a long standing drug problem but is currently clear of illicit substances after being remanded in custody following his arrest.

“Both of his parents were addicted to heroin. He was using cannabis as a teenager and later became addicted to heroin.

“He is pleased to have been remanded in custody because he is benefitting from being drug free. The challenge for his is to be drug free after his release.”

Recorder Jacob Hallam QC in passing sentence told Welsh: “You have a terrible record.

“You have put yourself in a position where the only possible sentence the court can pass is a custodial one.”