Foiled burglar jailed after targeting two properties on the same street in South Yorkshire

Sheffield Crown Court heard on May 6 how Andrew Lowe, aged 48, of Morley Road, Doncaster, admitted two attempted burglaries after he was spotted at a home on Norton Road, Doncaster, and was seen trying to get into a garage at another home on the same road.

Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, said Lowe was seen on camera in the garden of one property and when he was challenged by the owner he claimed he was looking for someone to repair his car.

But Ms Gallagher added that Lowe was later seen on footage trying a door handle at the property.

During the second attempted burglary on the same evening on March 18, the occupant was alerted by the sound of banging and saw the defendant and she thought he was hitting and kicking the garage doors, according to Ms Gallagher.

Miss Gallagher added that the complainant’s partner also saw the defendant go to a car and come back into the garden and throw a paving slab and there were further loud banging noises but the defendant did not gain entry to the garage.

Lowe, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the two attempted burglaries.

Andrew Smith, defending, said Lowe has had a troubled childhood and he had been undergoing counselling but he fell back into old ways after he had been struggling to deal with his traumatic past.

Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Lowe to 18-months of custody.