Burglars with ‘appalling’ records jailed after Swansea spree

Two men with extensive criminal histories for burglary have been jailed after a late night spree targeting homes in Swansea that left one victim unable to feel safe in his own home.

The offences

Daniel Ellis, 34, and Lee Hanbury left Tudor Court Hotel in Swansea just before midnight on 7 August and made their way to residential streets in the north of the city. In the early hours of 8 August, CCTV and Ring doorbell footage on Danygraig Road captured Ellis walking down a front garden path while Hanbury acted as lookout, both wearing gloves and with their hoods up.

The pair attempted to enter two properties but failed as the doors were locked. However, Ellis successfully burgled a third property on a nearby road, stealing car keys, a Citroen C1, and a wallet from a table near the front door while the occupants were at home. The Citroen was later found burnt out with its registration altered with a marker pen.

Impact on victim

The victim, Mr Thomas, no longer feels safe in his own home and has installed CCTV since the burglary. He was forced to cancel his bank cards and was left without a vehicle and his ID. Because he needed his ID to work, he lost out on £1,600 in wages and was forced to buy a new car costing £5,000.

Criminal histories

Swansea Crown Court heard that Ellis, of Oystermouth Road in Swansea, has a “substantial criminal history” dating back to 2004, including eight residential dwelling burglaries and six attempted residential burglaries. Hanbury, of Menai Avenue in Neath Port Talbot, had previously been convicted of 15 residential burglaries.

Judge’s comments

During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters said the pair “trawled the area looking for properties you thought you could safely enter without being apprehended”.

“This is frankly quite appalling, I don’t know the last time I saw a record this bad for dwelling house burglaries,” the judge said.

Addressing Ellis, Judge Walters said: “I don’t know where to begin when describing your antecedent history, it’s as bad as anything I have ever seen.” He added to Hanbury: “You have a dreadful record as well.”

Sentences

Ellis was sentenced to three years in prison for burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and aggravated vehicle taking. Hanbury was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for attempted burglary. Both pleaded guilty to the offences.