JAILED: Burglar stole ashes of victim's uncle in Walsall crime-spree
A prolific criminal whose burglary haul included ashes of a victim’s relative has been jailed for four years.
James Kelly pleaded guilty to committing seven burglaries and one attempted burglary during a crime spree in the Walsall, Walsall Wood and Brownhills areas.
The 36-year-old stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and other goods – including computers and the ashes of the uncle of one of the victims, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
He also caused almost £1,000 damage while breaking into the properties, said Mr Gary Cook, prosecuting.
Kelly, of no fixed address, admitted one attempted burglary, three burglaries and asked for four other burglaries to be taken into consideration. He was jailed for four years.
Among the properties targeted was one in Sundial Lane, Great Barr, where a small glass panel in the front door was smashed while the occupant was out.
The defendant, who had a string of previous convictions, escaped with more than £3,000 worth of cash and jewellery, including the ashes of the owner’s uncle, on September 16 last year.
He was seen leaving the address by a neighbour who followed him and gave police details of the bus the culprit left on. Officers scoured its CCTV, saw the suspect checking his haul and quickly recognised as being Kelly.
Property valued at more than £3,000 was taken during the four burglaries he asked to be taken into consideration which formed part of the one man, five month long crime wave.
He left tell tale traces of DNA at some of the addresses but the only stolen item to be recovered was the box of ashes.
The rest were sold at rock bottom prices to fund his drug addiction, the court heard.
