Leeds burglar jailed after stealing children's money boxes and ransacking homes across West and North Yorkshire

Anthony Bryant, 50, has "never shown any mercy" for his crimes.

He and Steven George Lee, 39, also from Leeds, carefully planned the burglaries, ransacking entire homes and stealing items of sentimental and financial value.

A series of seven burglaries happened across North and West Yorkshire between May 23 and June 10, 2017.

They took place in Tadcaster, Copmanthorpe, West Lilling, Boston Spa, Leeds and Skipton Bridge, near Thirsk.

Bryant was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary at York Crown Court today (Tuesday).

He had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, but today pleaded guilty to one of the offences, resulting in today’s sentencing.

Lee was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison and disqualified from driving for 18 months after pleading guilty to all charges in April this year.

A third suspect who had been arrested for the burglaries in 2017 died before any charges were brought.

PC Nicki Gill said: “Bryant and Lee carefully planned the targeted burglaries and have never shown any mercy for their crimes.

"They searched every room in those houses and stole things of sentimental and financial value; things that can never be replaced.

"They damaged possessions, stole children’s money boxes and within minutes of the burglaries used stolen bank cards to buy fuel and cigarettes.

“Thanks to the vigilance of observant locals, police were given crucial information to help identify the offenders."

PC Gill thanked the witnesses who came forward.

She added: "To all the victims, thank you for your patience - we hope you, your families and children will feel safer knowing this man is in jail and will be staying there for a long time.”

Dave Pegg from York and Selby Investigation Hub, added: “Bryant’s sentence is a good example of the lengths to which the police are willing and able to go to in order to secure convictions for burglary dwelling offences.

“This type of offence is despicable and has a long lasting negative impact on those affected.

“The victims in this case have been reassured that this sound, lengthy, investigation has been reflected in the sentencing and they are pleased with today’s result”.