Man stole from friend (From Daily Echo)

Southampton repeat offender jailed for burgling home of a friend

1:20pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News

A REPEAT offender used a ladder to break into the flat of a friend to steal treasured jewellery, Southampton Crown Court heard.

Daniel Potter, 22, smashed a window to gain entry to the home of Frank Thorne whose home he had previously visited.

Returning from a night out, the victim initially thought nothing had been stolen, but later discovered jewellery, a snuff box and a mobile phone were missing.

None of the property has been recovered.

Potter was arrested after traces of his blood were found at the scene.

Said to have 34 previous convictions, Potter, of Warren Crescent, Southampton, admitted burglary, committed when he was on a supervision order for taking a vehicle without consent.

He was jailed for 14 months.

Judge Derwin Hope said: “The items were of great sentimental value and he is understandably angry at the abuse of his friendship he has shown to you.”

In mitigation, Berenice Mulvanny said Potter was extremely concerned about being jailed as his partner was pregnant.

She added: “All of his offending has been caused by alcohol. He goes to prison, comes out and drinks again. He has an ingrained drink problem.

“He has no light at the end of the tunnel.”