Shaun Powell (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A homeless man who broke into staff accommodation at a Cardiff hospital and stole jewellery and cash was caught after being chased down by residents and security staff.
Shaun Powell, 51, was found sleeping under a stairwell at staff accommodation at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on January 26. Security staff told him he could not stay there and asked him to leave.
The break-in
Later that evening, a man was reported entering a room in Pembroke House, another building used as staff accommodation. The intruder entered a room on the sixth floor and took a gold necklace, £5, and five euros in cash.
As he left, a woman on the seventh floor realised he was trespassing and followed him.
Prosecutor Mari Watkins said when the man saw the woman, he said: “Sorry, I have the wrong floor” and ran down the stairs.
Residents gave chase and called campus security, who caught up with Powell and restrained him. He was searched and found in possession of the stolen items, which were returned to the victim. A small amount of cannabis was also found on him.
What Powell told police
Powell was arrested and told officers he was homeless and had not eaten for six days. He said he had stolen the items to sell in order to buy food.
Sentencing
Powell, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a Class B drug at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday.
The court heard he has 40 previous convictions including multiple offences of theft and dwelling burglaries.
In mitigation, Jac Brown said his client had struggled to find accommodation and was sleeping rough. The barrister said Powell had burgled the property to find items to sell to buy food.
Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Powell to a total of 876 days imprisonment.
