September 16, 2019 3.34 pm This story is over 54 months old

Man woke to find ‘career burglar’ in his Lincoln home

“He has had a chaotic life”
Trevor Barlow has been jailed for four and a half years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

A burglar broke into a house at 4am only to be confronted by his victim, Lincoln Crown Court was told today (Mon).

Trevor Barlow disturbed the victim when he entered the property in Knight Terrace, Lincoln and then fled taking away property when he was discovered.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, said the householder was woken by the noise and went to investigate he saw a torch light shining in the kitchen.

“The complainant had been sleeping in the lounge. His daughter and partner were upstairs.

“He heard a noise and saw a torch in the kitchen.

“He went into the kitchen and came face to face with an intruder.

“The intruder ran out of the door. The complainant then realised that a number of items had gone including his wife’s handbag and his wallet.”

A tub containing coins was among the items stolen. It was found nearby and scientific analysis revealed traces of Barlow’s blood.

As a result Barlow was arrested but made no comment when he was interviewed.

The court was told that Barlow had been jailed on five previous occasions for offences of burglary.

Today Barlow, 39, of St Rumbold Street, Lincoln, admitted burglary on July 14 this year. He was sent to prison for four and a half years.

Judge John Pini QC, passing sentence, told him “You are properly described as a career dwelling-house burglar.”

Karen Walton, in mitigation, said that Barlow has been taking crack cocaine and heroin since he was 19 years old.

She told the court: “He has had a chaotic life. He takes these very awful addictive drugs. That escalates until he gets very unwell.

“He then commits offences and has no regard to the consequences. That means custody and when he is in custody he detoxes.”

Miss Walton said that while serving his last prison sentence Barlow lost his brother and had a child born premature that died.

“When he came out he started taking drugs again,” she said.