Serial Wolverhampton burglar with 30 convictions locked up

Earl Ford has served previous prison sentences for 26 different burglaries, landing himself a total of 30 convictions.

The 33-year-old has now been locked up for three years and nine months after admitting he broke into a home in Gorsebrook Road, Wolverhampton.

The thief stole jewellery, a games console, a camcorder and £600 in cash from the home of a taxi driver during his latest raid.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how Ford broke into the house through a small kitchen window while the owner was out. Prosecutor Mr Mark Rees said the burglary took place at about 6.30pm on April 2.

"The next-door neighbour reported the burglary because the defendant was seen leaving the house and throwing a bag over the fence. In that bag was the property he stole."

The court heard that Ford was a known 'prolific offender' and was stopped by police officers near to Gorsebrook Road. He initially co-operated with police then ran off when they asked to look inside his bag – but became tangled in a barbed wire fence.

The court heard that when police caught up with him, Ford said: "You've got me. I am better off in jail."

Mr Rees said Ford, of Okement Drive, Wednesfield, had 30 previous convictions, made up of 91 offences. They include 15 house burglaries and a further 11 non-house burglaries.

Mr David Bratt, defending, said his client was a 'tragic individual' who had suffered from a number of personal problems from a young age.

He added: "It is hardly surprising he has ended up on the path he has ended up on. He knows he has done wrong and he is trying his best to remedy the situation."

Jailing Ford, Judge John Warner him: "You have a dreadful record. When people burgle other people's houses, it is a terrible thing for the person on the receiving end.

"I have no choice but to impose an immediate custodial sentence."