February 7, 2019 12.47 pm This story is over 61 months old

Prolific burglar raided house while students slept

“No doubt he was selling the item to get funds to purchase drugs”
Andrew Martin has been jailed for over two years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

A prolific burglar who carried out a night raid on a student house has been sent back to prison for over two years.

Andrew Martin committed his first house burglary at the age of 11. He has served eight previous jail sentences for burglary.

Martin entered the property on Lindum Road in Lincoln through an open window while the occupants were asleep.

Richard Sheldon, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court: “The burglary occurred at accommodation occupied by 12 students. It was overnight when the students were asleep.

“At the time it was extremely hot weather. The windows were left insecure and it was through a window that entry was gained.”

Mr Sheldon said that Martin stole a flat screen television worth £1,000 from a communal lounge and made off.

Later the same day he took the television to Cash Converters in Lincoln and tried to sell it. Police were called and he was arrested.

Martin claimed in interview that he found the television in some bushes near to the museum but in court he admitted he was responsible for stealing it.

Martin, 48, of Buckingham Street, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to the burglary carried out on July 24 2018. He was jailed for 930 days.

Judge Simon Hirst, passing sentence, told him: “You have a dreadful record particularly for the burglary of dwelling houses.”

Craig Lowe, in mitigation, said that Martin’s last conviction for burglary was in 2010.

“This offence was committed on impulse. He saw an opportunity and took advantage of it. He is sorry for getting involved.

“He has a long-standing heroin addiction. No doubt he was stealing this item to get funds to purchase drugs.”