Student house burglar who left ID at scene jailed

Police said Barry Lowery was a "despicable criminal" who was never going to change

A burglar who targeted student accommodation has been jailed after leaving his prisoner ID card at the scene.

Barry Lowery, 49, from Durham left the snapped card in the window of one of the properties in Durham City while many students were away for the Christmas break.

Lowery swiped "irreplaceable" items such as jewellery with sentimental value, electronics, women's underwear, money, Durham Police said, and was also confronted by one of his victims in her bedroom, who later positively identified him.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and was jailed for seven years and four months.

PC Mike White, who led the investigation, said: "Lowery is a despicable criminal who is clearly never going to change."

Lowery targeted properties on Summerville, John Street, Hawthorn Terrace and Laburnum Avenue between December and January.

Temporary Det Sgt Ryan Harrison urged people to keep their windows and doors locked.

"I would like to thank all the victims, especially the brave victim who identified him after confronting him in her bedroom," he said.

Lowery was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday.