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Totnes Police Station burglar jailed for 16 months | Totnes Police Station burglar jailed for 16 months |
(30 minutes later) | |
A burglar who broke into an empty police station, stole handcuffs and car keys and filmed himself trying to use a computer has been jailed for 16 months. | |
Russell O'Connor, 36, from Cornwall, broke into Totnes station on 21 December while officers were on patrol, Exeter Crown Court heard. | Russell O'Connor, 36, from Cornwall, broke into Totnes station on 21 December while officers were on patrol, Exeter Crown Court heard. |
He admitted burglary after taking items also including incapacitating spray, a baton and a police badge. | |
He was arrested wearing a Devon and Cornwall Police fleece. | He was arrested wearing a Devon and Cornwall Police fleece. |
Unemployed O'Connor, from Redruth, previously admitted two counts of burglary, having the baton and spray as offensive weapons, and personal possession of cannabis. | Unemployed O'Connor, from Redruth, previously admitted two counts of burglary, having the baton and spray as offensive weapons, and personal possession of cannabis. |
He broke into the station twice, at about 02:15 GMT and 03:50, after calling the force on the phone outside the building and being told it was empty, the court heard. | He broke into the station twice, at about 02:15 GMT and 03:50, after calling the force on the phone outside the building and being told it was empty, the court heard. |
He claimed he walked in through an open side door but the lock showed signs of being picked. | He claimed he walked in through an open side door but the lock showed signs of being picked. |
O'Connor filmed himself and could be heard saying: "I'm Russell O'Connor. This is Totnes Police Station. They are all asleep." | O'Connor filmed himself and could be heard saying: "I'm Russell O'Connor. This is Totnes Police Station. They are all asleep." |
He also took two torches, a lock-picking kit, a palmtop computer and the fleece. | |
He was caught by two officers who returned to the station. | He was caught by two officers who returned to the station. |
Judge Peter Johnson said O'Connor was "under the influence of drink and drugs" and it was an "unusual" case. | Judge Peter Johnson said O'Connor was "under the influence of drink and drugs" and it was an "unusual" case. |
Defending, Paul Dentith said O'Connor carried out the raids after a night out drinking at pubs in Totnes, initially looking for someone to talk to because he was lonely, depressed and wanted help. | Defending, Paul Dentith said O'Connor carried out the raids after a night out drinking at pubs in Totnes, initially looking for someone to talk to because he was lonely, depressed and wanted help. |
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