Man jailed for breaking into pensioner's house, after pensioner confronts him

The 34-year-old needed hospital treatment, after the homeowner chased him out of the house

Shamus Doyle, 34, of no fixed abode, fled from the house twice
Author: Seb CheerPublished 21st Aug 2024

A man has started a prison sentence, after he admitted breaking into a pensioner's house in Newark.

The pensioner, a 75-year-old man, heard Shamus Doyle, 34, downstairs and confronted him, hitting him in the head with a glass bottle.

Doyle then fled, but returned a short time later, threatening the man with a brick.

After being told police had been called, he again fled, but threw the brick through the pensioner's living room window.

Police found the 34-year-old nearby with a bloodied head, arrested him, and took him to hospital for treatment.

He was charged when his blood was found at the house.

Doyle went on to plead guilty to burglary, criminal damage and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (16th August), he was jailed for two years and 174 days.

Detective Constable Phil James, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a truly appalling crime that demonstrates the depths of what some criminals are prepared to do.

“Burglary is an intrusive crime anyway, but for Doyle to subject a man aged in his 70s to a terrifying ordeal like this is truly shocking.

“The victim demonstrated incredible bravery in confronting Doyle and was understandably affected by the events of that night.

“Despite this, he managed to display great resilience in assisting us with our investigation and I hope this sentence brings him some comfort.

“The force treats all reports of burglary seriously and continues to work tirelessly all year round to prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

“Members of the public can have faith that reports will be investigated, and we will relentlessly pursue individuals believed to be responsible for these sorts of upsetting crimes.”

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