Gloucester man jailed for five years for three burglaries
53-year-old stole jewellery, cash, and Christmas presents in three November burglaries
Last updated 23rd Jan 2026
A 53-year-old man from Gloucester has been jailed for five years after admitting to three burglaries committed last November, including stealing priceless sentimental jewellery and Christmas presents.
At Gloucester Crown Court, Jason Brown was sentenced on 22nd January in the presence of three victims who read impact statements detailing the emotional toll of his crimes.
The burglaries took place in Abbeydale, Brookthorpe, and Matson, near Gloucester.
On 6th November 2025, Brown broke into a home in Abbeydale by smashing through a conservatory.
He stole sentimental jewellery belonging to the late wife of the victim — who had been away after a funeral — as well as a camera collection and the victim’s car.
The car was later found abandoned half-a-mile away by a member of the public.
Forensic officers identified Brown’s DNA on a window at the scene.
The victim told the court: "When my wife passed I had discussed with our children which items of jewellery and other items they would like.
"Due to it all being a bit raw, they decided to wait a while then to look and make decisions in the new year.
"Sadly, this will now not happen, and they will not be able to own treasured items that would have allowed them physical memories of their mother.
"Not only have they lost their mother, but now have lost any chance of owning items belonging to her."
Brown’s next burglary took place on 15th November in Brookthorpe.
Brown was captured on CCTV trying to gain entry to a garden shed with a shovel.
He was wearing a face covering, which slipped off, and officers then recognised him after reviewing the footage.
Brown forced entry to the home and stole cash, golf clubs, a ring and credit cards.
Officers were able to obtain a DNA sample from the shovel, which later showed a positive comparison to Brown again.
The victim explained in their impact statement: “"The lack of sleep I had over the next few weeks; the anger that someone could break into my castle and go through mine and my wife's belongings and to walk out through the front door with my golf clubs.
"Then unbelievably to come back and take another set of golf clubs and all our belongings in a bag over his shoulder, not worrying about if someone sees him, has driven my mind to a depression I have never felt before."
The third burglary happened on 30th November, close to Brown’s own address on Matson Avenue.
It is thought he entered the home through a large dog flap while the residents slept.
CCTV footage showed Brown wearing a dressing gown and sliders in the kitchen.
He took Christmas presents from under a tree, while one of the occupants was asleep nearby on the sofa.
A victim recalled: “Your decision to steal Christmas presents from my home instilled fear and unease."
She added : "Actions like yours bring anxiety and fear into a place that should feel safe."
Results from the forensic tests were returned in early December, and after attempts to arrest Brown over a week, he handed himself in on 8 December.
In interview he gave a no comment answer to all questions, except telling an officer to "prove it".
Brown was later charged with three counts of burglary.
At Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday (20 January) he pleaded guilty to the offences, and he was sentenced yesterday (Thursday 22 January).
Brown was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the burglary on 6 November, and he was sentenced to 15 months for both of the two other counts of burglary, all to run consecutively.
His total sentence is five years.
His defence argued Brown was sorry for the harm caused, explaining he suffered from substance misuse and had relapsed at the time of the offences.
Mr Recorder Mawhinney stated that all three burglaries had a medium level of culpability with a small level of planning involved.
He said that Brown had carried out one of the burglaries while the victim was asleep on the sofa, and said: "I can't imagine the utter terror they would have suffered had they woke."
Mr Mawhinney added: "You have caused all three victims high levels of psychological and emotional harm."
PC Tim Burch from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Support Team said: “Brown is a career criminal and a prolific burglar.
"The five-year sentence reflects the gravity of his offending and sends a clear message that persistent burglary will not be tolerated. I hope this brings a measure of justice and reassurance to the victims and wider community.”