Lowestoft man jailed for burglaries

A PROLIFIC burglar who claims he now wants to make a fresh start was yesterday jailed for two years and eight months after he admitted a string of break-ins.

Toby Mulholland, 23, broke into a flat in Cannell Green, Norwich, and stole items including jewellery and a camera. He was caught close to the scene by police and the stolen items were recovered and returned to the owner.

However, Norwich Crown Court heard the victim was left 'shocked and disturbed' by the break-in and now felt worried about being secure in her own home.

Mulholland, of Norwich Road, Lowestoft, admitted the burglary and two offences of handling stolen goods and possession of a lock-knife.

He also admitted a further eight burglaries and theft of a bike which he asked to be taken into consideration.

The court heard that most of these burglaries would have been undetected if it was not for his admissions to police and he also helped recover several items of stolen property he had taken.

Jailing him, recorder Lyndsey Davies said that statements from victims of his burglaries showed how they had become 'fearful and cautious' and now had trouble sleeping.

She said: 'One of the burglaries was just before Christmas and they were not able to celebrate Christmas in the way they would have.'

She added: 'The reason for your prolific offending is that you have been addicted to heroin since you were about 15.'

She accepted he now showed remorse and had helped return a number of stolen items to his victims. 'I accept you are now motivated to change your life for the better.'

However, she said she had no alternative but to jail him for the offences.

Jonathan Mitchell, mitigating, said that many of the burglaries would have remained undetected if not for his admissions. 'He's assisted in the clear-up of these otherwise unsolved crimes.'

He said that Mulholland had been addicted to heroin since he was 15 but was not drug free. 'He wants to make a fresh start.'