A bungling burglar was caught after police seized his mobile phone and read his texts to a friend – BOASTING about his crimes.
Dozy Reece Brodell, 20, told a pal: “Just burgled a house and the alarm went off” before sending another a short time later saying: “Just out at the moment trying to raise a grand.”
Police initially quizzed him as a suspect in the break-in but arrested him for burglary after they seized his phone and found the incriminating messages.
Broddell and partner-in-crime Brett O’Brien, 24, triggered an alarm at the scene before trying to escape on January 11 this year.
The useless criminals were so startled by the alarm at the house in Wollaton, Notts., they fled the property empty handed.
The pair pleaded guilty to burglary and Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (19/8).
O’Brien, of Bulwell, Notts., who has previous convictions including burglary, firearms possession and arson, was jailed for 28 months.
Barry White, defending O’Brien, said: “He has developed a strong bond with his ten-month-old son.
“His last real offence was in 2010, so he can stay out of trouble.”
Brodell, from Bulwell, Notts., has five previous convictions ranging from battery to possessing drugs, his sentencing was adjourned until October.
Adrian Reynolds, defending Brodwell, said: “He does present as something of a lost soul at the moment.
“Since he has been on bail he has been living with his grandmother who has come today.
“He has been brought up by his father and grandmother. He is in a very unhappy state.
“He has never done anything as serious as this before.”