A PROLIFIC offender escaped a further prison sentence after admitting handling property, “of great sentimental value”, stolen in a break-in at the home of a woman in her late 60s

Dean English, who was initially charged with the burglary, at a house in Durham, denied the charge at a hearing at the city’s crown court last month.

But, after hearing that his fingerprints were found on some of the recovered items taken from the property, he admitted a charge of handling stolen goods.

The Crown accepted his pleas, and as a result English, who had been in custody, was granted bail ahead of yesterday’s (Friday April 10) sentencing hearing.

Prosecuting counsel Michael Bosomworth told the court silverware and jewellery, mostly family heirlooms, were taken in the daytime burglary at the house, in the Nevilles Cross area, on August 26 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that the householder returned home from a funeral to discover an intruder had entered via a smashed patio window.

On checking, she discovered, “a systematic and untidy search”, appeared to have been made through all rooms, with cupboards and drawers emptied.

Mr Bosomworth said following the arrest of another man for shoplifting, his home was searched, leading to the recovery of some items taken in the Nevilles Cross burglary, last August.

Forensic examination revealed they bore fingerprints matching with English, who, in turn was arrested.

He accepted having been at the other man’s house and helping him to clear out property from a shed, including a number of the stolen items, which were placed in carrier bags.

Mr Bosomworth said other items taken in the burglary were subsequently recovered from a second-hand shop, in Newcastle.

The court heard of the impact the burglary has had on the victim, who has since been nervous in her own home, often lying awake at night listening for noises, while mourning the loss of the treasured heirlooms which she had hoped to pass on to younger generations of the family.

Ian Mullarkey, for 33-year-old English, who is formerly of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, told the court he has been living at a bail address in Pounder Place, Hartlepool, since his release after last month’s plea hearing.

But he added that he spent two-and-a-half months in custody following his arrest.

The sentencing hearing was told of English’s “appalling record”, for burglary, handling and similar offences, while he previously served a ten-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

He earned the nickname 'The Singing Defective' when he was a teenager because of his high pitched responses during police interviews.

Judge Christopher Prince said, “not withstanding the defendant’s record”, he had to follow sentencing guidelines for offences of handling stolen goods.

He imposed a 12 month community order, to include supervision by the Probation Service, but he warned English if he breached it, he risked going back behind bars again.