Thief ruined Christmas for family

Jabbar Zaman was traced after a neighbour alerted police after spotting him and another man inside the premises in Parker Road, Thornhill, Dewsbury on December 16.

The occupier had left the property secure at 7am but returned around 2.30pm to find an untidy search of the rooms had taken place.

Sheila Aldridge, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday Christmas presents had been opened and stolen including computer games and jewellery which had not been recovered.

A neighbour had alerted the police after seeing two people acting suspiciously and recognised Zaman who had apparently done some gardening work for the householder.

When he was arrested he denied responsibility and claimed he had been praying in a mosque at the relevant time.

But on his first appearance at the crown court yesterday facing the burglary charge he pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to 876 days behind bars.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC said he had caused considerable distress for the family involved, being burgled just before Christmas with £2,000 worth of presents taken.