Burglar jailed after fingerprint found on wardrobe

A burglar who left his fingerprint on a wardrobe door during a break-in has been jailed.

Michael Walsh gained entry to the flat in North Circus Street, Nottingham, around 1.30pm on 9 August 2024.

He stole a vacuum cleaner in the raid and was captured coming and going on doorbell footage.

The 48-year-old, of Norton Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to burglary and was jailed for a total of three years and four months at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (28 November).

Walsh was also sentenced for the robbery of a vulnerable man on 23 February 2024 after detectives linked him to that offence as well.

The victim, who has a number of health conditions, was in a fast food restaurant in Milton Street, Nottingham, when Walsh barged into him.

Walsh grabbed the man’s bag, containing money and bank cards, and fled from the scene after a struggle in which the victim broke a finger.

Detective Constable Shannon Hutchinson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Walsh is a persistent criminal with an unenviable record of previous offending.

“The burglary once again showed the value of forensic analysis carried out by our crime scene investigation team. We were able to prove Walsh had been inside the flat and left him with no alternative but to admit the offence.

“This case also highlights how valuable doorbell cameras can be in catching out burglars.

“The robbery was an unpleasant crime committed on a vulnerable man.

“We never underestimate the impact both robberies and burglaries can have on victims.

“Both crimes can have a psychological effect on victims which goes far beyond any financial loss.”