Prolific burglar gets five years in prison
A prolific and persistent burglar with 49 convictions to his name has been jailed for five years.
David Barnett stole bank cards, valuable documents, a handbag and a wallet during a night-time raid earlier this year. The 33-year-old, of Osperry Drive in Russells Hall, Dudley, wore a t-shirt emblazoned with 'outrage' during his sentencing.
He shouted "kangaroo court" as he was led away.
He had entered a property on Fulbrook Road, also in Russells Hall, in the early hours of April 19 earlier this year.
Barnett also took a memory stick which had work relating to a masters degree on it during the raid, as well as a mobile phone, clubcards, vouchers and a driving license.
He gained entry to the house through a window and the sleeping occupants discovered the items were missing the following morning. Most of them were recovered, including the memory stick.
Barnett pleaded not guilty to burglary but a jury convicted him by a majority of 10 to two.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge Martin Walsh told Barnett his history of burglaries was "appalling".
"You are a prolific burglar of dwelling houses and you are simply not entitled to any credit", he added.
His previous sentences include one of three years in 2004 for burglary.
In November 2006 he was given one year and four months for taking a vehicle without consent and burglary.
Three years later Barnett was sentenced to four years and six months for burglary and escaping from lawful custody, while in April of this year he received a £70 fine for possession of Class A drugs.
He was released on license in October 2011.
Defending Barnett, Jasvir Mann asked the judge to be merciful in his verdict.
"Since being released he has set about living a normal life," he added.
