Burglar who targeted popular Sheffield Wetherspoons pub and Pizza Express snared by fingerprints left at scene

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on September 17 how Aaron Fewkes, aged 21, of Palgrave Road, Southey Green, Sheffield, was linked to two old burglaries at the Sheaf Island pub and a Pizza Express restaurant after he had been released from jail for other burglaries.

Chris Peace, defending, said Fewkes has been sentenced to prison twice since the pub and restaurant burglaries were committed but these offences surfaced because fingerprints were found and linked to him.

Mr Peace added: “These are the past coming back to haunt him and they have come back with fingerprints.”

He argued given they were commercial burglaries if they had been considered with his previous convictions the sentence would not have been substantially increased.

Mr Peace added the cannabinoid drug spice has been behind Fewkes’s offending but he has been attending probation service appointments.

Fewkes pleaded guilty to the burglary at Sheaf Island pub, on Ecclesall Road, near Harrow Street, Sheffield, and to the burglary at Pizza Express, on Devonshire Street, Sheffield, which were both committed on January 29. He also pleaded guilty to two shop thefts committed in September.

Chantel Lowry-Green, prosecuting, said Fewkes stole spirits during the burglaries which cost the businesses hundreds of pounds in losses and damage and he was identified by fingerprints. She added he stole spirits and chocolates during the shop thefts which were captured on CCTV.

Magistrates sentenced Fewkes to a 12-month community order with drug rehabilitation and rehabilitation activity requirements. He must also pay £300 compensation.