Burglar caught stealing and eating ice cream at student's Sheffield flat
A serial-burglar who was caught stealing and eating ice-cream at a student’s Sheffield flat has been spared from jail.
Sheffield Crown Court heard on February 8 how David Ubsdell, aged 39, of no fixed abode, was found at the student’s flat on Broad Lane, near Sheffield city centre, around 4am, on October 22, 2020.
Judge Roger Thomas QC said: “He went into a student’s flat and when the student came back after being out for a cigarette he found Ubsdell there.”
The defendant said he went in the property to get indoors, according to Judge Thomas, and he helped himself to a couple of ice-creams which the student had in a freezer.
Richard Davies, prosecuting, said: “It has caused the complainant some worry having found a man sat there having entered his premises.”
The defendant was arrested after the offence because he left his DNA on an ice-cream lollipop, according to Judge Thomas.
Ubsdell told police he had been homeless for two weeks and he had entered the property through an open door because he had wanted somewhere to sleep.
The defendant, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the burglary.
Judge Thomas told the court Ubsdell was remanded in custody for a month before he was granted bail and he has a job and his employer says he has been doing well.
He said: “He seemed to have turned his life around in recent times including getting a job.”
However, the judge also revealed Ubsdell has a “terrible criminal record” including “umpteen” burglary offences for which he has previously been punished.
Judge Thomas told Ubsdell: “At 4am in the morning when a student left a door open you snuck in his flat when he left the door open and helped yourself to an ice-cream.”
But Judge Thomas, who acknowledged Ubsdell has tried to turn his life around, sentenced him to a 12-month conditional discharge but warned if he commits any further offences during the next year he faces going to prison.
Ubsdell told Judge Thomas: “Thank you very much, Your Honour. I appreciate it.”
