Maidstone: Justin Wynes jailed for stealing from a house in Northumberland Road while the victims slept upstairs
Published: 13:00, 08 August 2016
Updated: 13:25, 08 August 2016
A burglar who stole from a Maidstone home while the occupants slept upstairs has been jailed for 32 months.
Justin Wynes, 40 and formerly of Grove Road, admitted targeting the house in Northumberland Road at Maidstone Crown Court last week.
The court heard that on the night of Thursday, June 30, Wynes broke into the property while the victims were sleeping in an upstairs bedroom.
When they awoke the following morning they found that their home had been ransacked with items including foreign currency, an iPhone and a camera stolen. The value of all the items taken was £1,800.
Wynes also stole two passports, which meant the victims were unable to go on pre-booked holiday worth a further £1,200.
Detective constable Neil Buckle said: "Wynes targeted his victims while they slept in their beds at home – This is a place where they should feel safe and secure.
"His actions not only denied them of a holiday and material goods, it left them feeling violated and vulnerable in their own property.
"It is entirely appropriate that Wynes has received a custodial sentence for his offences and I hope that his victims can take comfort from the fact justice has been swiftly served."
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David Gazet