A BURGLAR has been jailed for three years for a raid on a Dewsbury house.
Ryan Dufton, 29, was described as “every householder’s worst nightmare” by the judge who sentenced him at Leeds Crown Court.
A jury found him guilty after four hours of deliberation by a 10-2 majority of one count of burglary.
The incident happened sometime between May 4 and May 6 last year in Dewsbury and a discarded cigarette butt at the scene was key evidence in the trial.
Dufton, of Beckett Crescent, Dewsbury, was also convicted of two counts of possession of Class C drugs, discovered on him at the time of arrest.
Judge Kerry MacGill sentenced him to three years – six months concurrently for the drug possession.
Inspector Dave Stainthorpe, who is aiming to cut burglary in Kirklees, said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down by the courts which underlines the seriousness to which we view burglary.
“It is a priority for the police in Kirklees and one which we are relentless in tackling.
“In July last year we released an appeal to trace Dufton in relation to this incident and we thank the public and media for their assistance in the matter.
“Months of hard work and intelligence gathering by local officers helped to locate Dufton. Their sheer diligence and professionalism ultimately meant we were able to bring him before the courts and face justice.
“The judge in this case described Dufton as ‘every householder’s worst nightmare’ and it is a sentiment which I would echo.
“I am extremely pleased that he has been removed from the community and it is vital that we continue to put the fear of crime straight back on those who commit it.
“If you involve yourself in burglary, this will be the outcome”
