Sheffield: Burglar caught trying to escape over a fence jailed

Lewis Prescott, 21, admitted the offences at Sheffield Crown Court in February

A "harmful criminal" has been jailed following burglaries in the Millhouses area of Sheffield.

Lewis Prescott had donned a balaclava and gloves to break into two properties on 12 January.

He admitted one count of burglary, one count of theft of a motor vehicle and one count of attempted burglary at Sheffield Crown Court in February.

The 21-year-old, of Becket Crescent, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison on Friday.

Prescott had been disturbed by a resident in Pingle Avenue on 12 January at 02:30 GMT while attempting to burgle the property, having already gained entry to another address on Pingle Road earlier.

He had caused damage to both properties and stolen a vehicle.

He was then located by police officers, who spotted his attempt to escape over a fence and found him equipped with tools and wearing a balaclava and gloves.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said they were pleased Prescott was "behind bars where he belongs, after being caught red-handed fleeing from officers."

"He is a harmful criminal who chose to incite fear and cause harm to his innocent victims. He will now have to live with the consequences of his actions," they added.

In addition to his jail sentence, Prescott was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.