A burglar who was pursued on foot through Newport by an off-duty police officer has been jailed for 14 months.
Arron Young, 35, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Friday 19 June after pleading guilty to a string of offences spanning burglaries, thefts and criminal damage across the city and beyond.
The offences
Young admitted five counts of theft from a shop, three counts of burglary at commercial premises, failing to surrender, and criminal damage.
The charges stemmed from an investigation into break-ins at commercial addresses in Newport and at Pontymister Industrial Estate in Risca earlier this year.
The chase
On the evening of Wednesday 29 April, off-duty neighbourhood officer PC Oliver Grimas spotted Young on Bridge Street and recognised him as a wanted suspect in connection with the investigation.
PC Grimas gave chase on foot, following Young along North Street, through Baneswell and Scard Street before detaining him on Bailey Street. He then contacted on-duty colleagues, who arrived and arrested the 35-year-old at around 6.40pm.
Police response
PC Andy Buchanan, from Newport’s neighbourhood policing team, praised his colleague’s quick thinking and said the sentence would be welcomed by businesses and residents affected by Young’s offending.
“As neighbourhood officers, we’re committed to keeping our communities safe from harm and recognise that theft and burglary are not victimless crimes. The impact of these offences is hugely felt by our communities, notably businesses and retailers.”
“I must thank my colleague who, although off-duty at the time, spotted this defendant on Bridge Street and knew he was wanted for questioning over reported burglary and theft offences.”
“With overwhelming evidence against him, Young had little option but to plead guilty to the offences he faced in crown court.”
“Young’s chaotic lifestyle has led to his offending, and we know today’s sentence will be welcomed by those businesses and people affected.”
“It is crucial that anyone who is impacted by crime, including theft and burglary, reports it to us so we can continue to target those, like Young, who make life a misery for businesses in Newport and beyond.”
