Burglar who ransacked home jailed

A burglar who ransacked a victim’s home in broad daylight, while she hid upstairs, has been jailed.

James Hopper, aged 31, of Cliveden Road in Bucknall, was sentenced to 21 months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 29 July after admitting the burglary offence.

The court heard how Hopper smashed his way into the Hanley home in broad daylight in April this year.

The victim, fearing for her safety, hid in an upstairs room while Hopper stole hundreds of pounds worth of valuables and left the scene.

Hopper was spotted by officers a short time later and the stolen items were returned to the victim.

PC Stuart Stanway, the officer in charge of the case, said: “This was a brazen burglary which left the victim understandably highly distressed and fearful for her life as well as her property.

“Thankfully, officers were able to locate Hopper quickly and return the stolen goods to the victim.

“I’m glad he has been handed a custodial sentence and hope this reassures our communities we are doing all we can to catch offenders and bring them to justice.”