Ex-Soldier Jailed for Hotel Break-ins and Car Thefts

A former soldier who broke into the Hilton Hotel multiple times and stole vehicles has been jailed for his crime spree across Cardiff. 🔒

Daryl Johnson, 39, of Thomas Clark Road, Cowbridge, caused £1,260 worth of damage to staff lockers at the Hilton Hotel while stealing personal belongings during repeated break-ins through June and August last year.

The Cardiff Crown Court heard on Wednesday that Johnson’s criminal behaviour began after the breakdown of a relationship and leaving his employment. During his series of offences, he stole cars which were later found abandoned following collisions, broke into staff areas at multiple businesses, and assaulted shop workers who confronted him.

On June 23, Johnson was captured on CCTV breaking into AVIS car hire in Cardiff where he stole car keys and a mobile phone before targeting the Hilton Hotel staff locker room on the same day.

In another incident on August 2, Johnson entered Farm Foods in Treseder Way, Cardiff, and became violent when disturbed by staff. He kicked one employee in the thigh and pushed another in the chest before fleeing with a Peugeot 108, which he later crashed. He also used a stolen bank card to make several fraudulent purchases.

The court heard Johnson has nine previous convictions including aggravated vehicle taking and driving offences. In mitigation, it was noted he has been diagnosed with PTSD from his experiences while serving in the Army.

Judge Hywel James sentenced Johnson to 32 months imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for 30 months after he pleaded guilty to burglary, theft from a shop, fraud by false representation, aggravated vehicle taking and common assault.