Serial burglar jailed again for more break-ins

Drug-user Chris Dunn was given six years for his latest offences for a criminal career that stretches back four decades

A serial burglar who targeted homes in Ilkley and sold his ill-gotten gains for "a pittance" has been jailed for six years.

Bradford Crown Court heard how drug-user Chris Dunn, of no fixed abode, had served lengthy jail sentences for previous break-ins.

Recorder of Bradford Judge Jonathan Rose said the 53-year-old's apologies to his victims would "ring hollow".

Judge Rose said Dunn had been offending since the age of 12 and he didn't think he gave a moment's thought to his victims.

'Hollow apologies'

The court heard how Dunn had ransacked a woman's home in Yeadon, Leeds, and stolen items, including watches and an iPad, totalling over £2,500.

In November last year Dunn also carried out a spate of offences in Ilkley.

He tried to break into two homes on Skipton Road, but fled after being disturbed.

Prosecutor Erin Kitson-Parker said Dunn went on to ransack a home in Little Lane and stole a laptop and jewellery.

Judge Rose said when Dunn stole laptops he could be depriving a child of schoolwork, a student of university work or someone of irreplaceable photographs of loved ones who may have died.

He said it was taking a part of an individual's life which sometimes could not be replaced and Dunn was selling on the items for "a pittance" to pay for drugs and alcohol.

The judge asked: "Have you thought about the fear engendered in a male or female by the presence of a stranger trying to break into their home?"

'Think about victims'

The court heard Dunn, who admitted burglary and attempted burglary, had 29 previous convictions for nearly 90 offences and had served prison terms of up to six years in the past.

Barrister Paul Canfield, for Dunn, said his client had hoped to get a job in Wales following his last prison sentence, but when he didn't he found himself with no money and sofa-surfing.

"Try thinking about your victims instead of your own needs," the judge told Dunn over a prison video link.

"Hardworking people who have worked to pay for their laptops, to pay of their jewellery, to pay for their items like watches and so forth that you just take to sell for a pittance."

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