'Prolific burglar' jailed for robbing Douglas home

John Johnson was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse

A man described as a "prolific burglar" with a long history of stealing on the Isle of Man has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

John Johnson, 45, entered a ground floor flat in Douglas on 23 November while the occupants slept, stealing items including cash and medicinal cannabis.

Johnson, of James Street in the city, had convictions for similar offences stretching back 30 years.

Handing down the sentence at Douglas Courthouse, Deemster Graeme Cook said the length of the jail term reflected his "appalling record".

Johnson was disturbed by the couple living in the apartment in the early hours of 23 November.

Douglas Courthouse heard the woman had woken up at about 05:00 GMT and heard movement in the living room before seeing the silhouette of a man.

'Violated'

The court heard Johnson left the property without confrontation, however the woman told officers she felt "very violated" that someone had been in their home while they slept.

About £30 in cash was taken as well as car keys, a streaming device, and medicinal cannabis, while the couple's gaming console was found on the lawn outside the property.

CCTV footage showed Johnson trying the door handles of neighbouring properties before entering the address, the court was told.

He was arrested later the same day at his home, where officers found the stolen items and a small amount of cannabis.

Johnson pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of cannabis.

His defence advocate said he had a long history of alcohol and drug addiction and needed to attend residential rehabilitation to break the cycle of offending.

Deemster Cook said that while Johnson "clearly" had "trouble with alcohol", he could not continue to blame it for his 30 years of offending.

He said: "It is an appalling record, especially for the island. You are not learning."