Shane Sweeney (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 4 minutes ago
A burglar who ransacked a student’s home in Cardiff has been jailed for two years after forensic evidence linked him to the crime – a chicken bone left behind on the kitchen table.
The break-in
Shane Sweeney, 28, of no fixed abode, targeted the property in Cathays while his victim was out working during the early hours between January 24 and 25. The back door had been left open and a window was ajar, with a safety cable snapped to gain entry.
When the student returned home, she found a haul of belongings had been stolen including a 65-inch television, two laptops, jewellery, a gold bar, bank cards and car keys. Her Vauxhall Corsa was also taken, though Cardiff Crown Court heard this was not connected to Sweeney. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Trowbridge.
The DNA evidence
A chicken bone discovered on the kitchen table proved to be the key piece of evidence. Analysis revealed a DNA profile that matched Sweeney. When arrested, he denied any involvement in the burglary, telling officers he “didn’t like chicken”.
Victim’s impact
The victim told the court the break-in had affected her “physically, psychologically and financially”. She had been forced to pause her studies because the stolen laptops contained her diploma assessment.
She added: “I can’t believe someone could do this to me.”
Shoplifting spree
Prosecutor Hannah Head told the court Sweeney was also being dealt with for seven shoplifting offences committed between November last year and March. The thefts took place at a Spar in Abergale Road, Trowbridge, a Sainsbury’s in Newport Road, One Stop Shop in Llanrumney, and the Co-Op in Pontcanna.
Items taken included cans of Coke, washing pods, alcohol, cleaning products, chocolate, meat, and Lindt easter eggs, with a combined value of £686.
Sweeney pleaded guilty to burglary and seven counts of theft from shops. He had previous convictions including 23 offences of theft and offences of non-dwelling burglary and shoplifting.
Mitigation and sentence
Defence barrister Hannah Friedman said her client was remorseful and wished to apologise to the victim, having stated he was “not a burglar but a shoplifter”. She told the court Sweeney had not carried out the offences alone and had been “misled” by a group of friends.
The court heard he had moved to Wales from Ireland at the age of 18 and suffered a fractured vertebrae in a bike accident which left him addicted to opiates as pain relief. This had caused his life to “spiral”, but he wished to rebuild his life and establish a relationship with his three children.
Recorder Andrew Hammond sentenced Sweeney to a total of 24 months’ imprisonment.
