Swansea Burglar Gets Second Chance Despite 82 Offences

A Swansea man with such an extensive criminal record that his own barrister warned he’d be back in court within “months if not weeks” has been given a suspended sentence for a string of car break-ins across the city.

George Yates, 31 and of no fixed abode, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday after breaking into multiple vehicles at the Sandfields estate and Maritime Quarter on separate occasions.

The court heard how residents at Maritime Quarter apartments woke in February last year to find their car windows smashed. Victim Ross Darlington discovered his truck broken into with work tools stolen, including a claw hammer and thermal imager. Another victim, Anthony Holmes, had his Aston Martin written off after Yates caused £16,000 worth of damage – yet stole just £50 from the glove compartment.

When confronted by a witness from her balcony, Yates threatened: “I have a hammer and I’ll kill her.”

Despite being under investigation for these offences, Yates struck again in February this year at Sandfields’ Mansel Street, where CCTV clearly captured him breaking into cars one by one. From one vehicle, he stole just £2.50 and a pair of gloves after causing significant damage.

The defendant has 31 previous convictions for 82 offences, including 58 dishonesty offences and five for criminal damage.

Defence barrister Ian Ibrahim told the court: “He has a highly unfancied record. The reason for that is class A drug addiction. He will continue to come to this court unless we help him do something about his drug addiction. He said to me: ‘I want this to stop. I have a daughter. She needs me. I want to try and give something back if I can.'”

Judge Paul Thomas noted: “Prison clearly doesn’t deter you. You’ve been in and out of prison for some time.”

Yates was sentenced to 14 months custody suspended for two years, with a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement including weekly drug tests. He must also attend mental health treatment and return to court every six weeks to show progress.

Yates cried and thanked the judge following sentencing.