A Bulgarian burglar who was allowed into the UK despite having a string of convictions for theft and burglary has been jailed after he broke into a home just eight days after arriving in the country.
Emil Metodiev, 32, was caught red-handed with items from the burglary in Thorpe Bay, Essex, and pleaded guilty to the break-in earlier this year. He was jailed for 16 months at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.
Richard Kelly, prosecuting, said: ‘He had only been in the UK for eight days and had no independent means of income. It is not unreasonable to conclude the reason he came to the UK was to commit crime.’
Metodiev claimed in mitigation that he had travelled to Thorpe Bay on October 30 because he wanted to be by the seaside.
A friend had failed to repay some money so he soon ran out of cash and decided to attempt the break-in at around 7am the next morning.
He was caught after homeowner Trevor Toms, 62, and his 19-year-old son Adam pursued him.
Adam, who was wearing just his underwear, chased the crook across neighbouring gardens before police arrived to make the arrest.
Recorder Matthew Lowe paid tribute to the bravery of half-naked Mr Toms for chasing down the burglar.
He said: ‘It is unlikely that without the brave actions of Mr Toms you would ever had been caught.
‘The fact that the family were home and asleep is an aggravating factor in this case.
‘I have read the detailed and measured victim impact statement prepared by Denise Toms in which she talks about the anxiety she has been left feeling as a result of your actions.’
REASONS UK BORDER AGENCY STAFF CAN TURN AWAY CRIMINALS
There are a number of reasons why UK Border Agency staff can reject a convicted criminal’s entry into the country, according to official guidance.
One of the given reasons is if the person is a ‘persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law’.
In addition, a criminal who has been sentenced to four years or more in prison can always be turned away.
Meanwhile, those who have been convicted to a spell of imprisonment lasting between 12 months and four years can be rejected entry unless a period of ten years has passed since the end of their sentence.
People who have been convicted to a period of less than a year can be turned away unless a period of five years has passed since the end of the sentence.
The Bulgarian burglar was caught after being pursued by homeowner Trevor Toms (right), 62, and his 19-year-old son, Adam (left), who chased the crook across gardens in only his underwear
Metodiev, who had been staying in north London at the time of the offence, will be deported at the end of his sentence.
Speaking after the case, investigating officer Dc Layla Barker said: ‘I would like to offer a special thank you to the courage of the resident, who bravely chased the burglar and was able to give an accurate location for police when they arrived on scene.
‘Without his quick thinking and speedy reaction it is unlikely that the man would have been caught and may have gone on to commit more burglaries.’
SOURCE-DAILYMAIL
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