A BURGLAR with 138 offences from 41 previous convictions was jailed at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Thursday.

Kevin Greenwood, 39, of Godric Road, Newport, was sent to prison for 12 months plus a further 12 weeks for breaching a previously suspended sentence.

He admitted burglary at Castlehold Baptist Church in High Street, Newport, on January 19, where he stole items including a flatscreen television, and burglary at A-Plan Insurance, also of High Street, Newport, on February 10, where he stole £396 plus loose change and charity boxes.

Simon Foster, prosecuting, told the court that Rev Adrian Redfern had arrived at Castlehold Baptist Church on the morning of Sunday, January 20, to hold a service, and had to deal with the aftermath of the burglary. Greenwood’s DNA was found at the scene.

Mr Foster said the commercial manager at A-Plan Insurance was keen to portray to the court that the burglary had not been a victimless crime. Entry had been forced into the building, the desk drawers had been forced open and it had had a huge impact on the morale of staff.

Greenwood was clearly identified from CCTV at the premises.

An aggravating factor was that the burglary at A-Plan Insurance was committed after Greenwood was given a chance by magistrates just weeks beforehand, by way of a suspended sentence.

Oscar Vincent, for Greenwood, said his client had been determined to get his life in order and had seen some success, but then came the blow on Christmas Day that his partner wanted to end the relationship and he would no longer be able to see his child.

Mr Vincent said: “That message sent him into a complete relapse. He sunk so low that he has no recollection of the next few weeks whatsoever.”

Greenwood had problems with alcohol, and misuse of prescription drugs. His rehabilitation course kept getting delayed and the date put back.

Recorder Ignatius Hughes QC said: “Social services gave your partner an ultimatum that you should be out of the door or your child would be taken away, which was, for you, a hammer blow.

“But I have a public duty to perform. You caused significant inconvenience and distress. Even though you have your problems you are passing them on to others by committing these crimes.

“You were given a chance with the suspended sentence but carried on with your downward spiral.”

Greenwood was ordered to pay a victim surcharge and jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks.

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