Benjamin Allen, 49, targeted properties in the early hours of the morning
A repeat offender broke into a porch and stole parcels before taking a wheelbarrow from roadworks. He has a number of previous convictions for dishonesty and theft.
Benjamin Allen, 49, targeted properties in Barry in the early hours of October 10 last year. He entered the porch area of one house and stole a number of parcels before leaving.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard the defendant attempted to break into a second house but was unable to break in. Instead he took a wheelbarrow from nearby roadworks. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter here.
Allen, of Severn Avenue, Barry, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary, and theft. The court heard he has numerous previous convictions for burglary and dishonesty offences.
In mitigation, Harry Baker told the court his client has complied with court orders in the past and asked for an "exceptional course" to be taken in the defendant's case. It was said the majority of his offences was a result of funding a drug addiction
Sentencing, Judge Vanessa Francis said the defendant was subject to a minimum term due to his previous convictions and she could not see any "exceptional circumstances" for her to depart from that course. She sentenced Allen to a total of 876 days imprisonment of which he will serve half in custody before being released to serve the remainder of the sentence on licence.