Danny Lewis (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A serial burglar who broke into a Newport home and then attacked the homeowner when he tried to stop his wife’s car being stolen has been sentenced to 39 months in prison.
Danny Lewis, 34, of Windermere Square, Newport, pleaded guilty to burglary, assault by beating, and vehicle interference following the incident on February 23.
The break-in
Cardiff Crown Court heard that one of the occupants had left the property at 6.30am. Around 45 minutes later, a man living at the address heard the door open and assumed it was his father-in-law arriving – only to find a stranger standing in the hallway.
Lewis left the house, and the victim looked out of the window to see the defendant climbing into his wife’s BMW.
The confrontation
Prosecutor Alice Sykes told the court the victim rushed outside and opened the driver’s door to confront Lewis, who was sitting in the seat with the car in gear.
Lewis got out and ran towards the homeowner before striking him with a clenched fist, sending him to the ground where he fell onto stones. The victim noticed the smell of alcohol on Lewis’s breath.
Lewis then fled the scene still holding the car and house keys. He was later arrested and gave no comment during his police interview.
Impact on the victim
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Ms Sykes, the homeowner described lasting anxiety from the ordeal.
“I have experienced anxiety as a result of this event. I do not feel safe at home anymore,” he said.
“I am constantly in a heightened state – even putting out the recycling can cause fear.
“I am hypervigilant and struggle to relax… I was forced to miss a day’s work and we’ve suffered a financial loss as a result of his actions.”
The court heard the victim had spent almost £500 replacing keys and locks for both their home and his wife’s car.
Previous offending and mitigation
Lewis has amassed more than 20 previous convictions, including seven prior burglary offences.
Defence barrister Gareth Williams told the court his client had experienced periods of homelessness and has five children. He said Lewis hopes to be more mature and “in a better state of mind” upon his release from prison.
Sentence
Judge Hywel James sentenced Lewis to a total of 39 months’ imprisonment.
