Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted burglary in a dwelling with intent to steal.
Gary Cunningham, aged 44, formerly of Wood Street, New Bradwell was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday (3/1) to 14 months’ imprisonment, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
It’s after he pleaded guilty at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on 29 November.
On Boxing Day 2019, at around 3am in the morning, Cunningham attempted to break into a house in Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes.
Luckily the occupant of the house was awake and challenged Cunningham who made off.
The occupant rang 999 immediately and officers started a search for the offender.
Cunningham was tracked by Police Dog Cass and his handler PC Brinklow, to a field half a mile away from the incident. He was detained by PC Brinklow before other officers searching the area arrived at the location and assisted him.
On his arrest, Cunningham had in his possession a crowbar, a screwdriver and a rucksack. These were seized and have now been destroyed on court order.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Alex Kiljan, based at Milton Keynes, said: “This was a brazen attempt to gain access to someone’s house and Cunningham clearly went prepared for breaking in to take property.
“It was only thanks to the brave and quick reaction of the victim that prevented the offender from entering the house.
“Due to the victim’s courage to challenge Cunningham and his immediate 999 call to police, Cunningham was arrested on the night and in the light of overwhelming evidence gathered in the course of investigation, he accepted responsibility for his actions.
“Burglary is a very invasive crime and I hope that this case shows we will trace individuals who seek to carry it out and bring them before the courts.”
