Hungry burglar trapped in "vicious cycle" tried front doors on Sheffield street in search of cash for food
“This is a vicious cycle that he lives in”
A hungry burglar who tried three doors in a Sheffield neighbourhood in search of bank cards to buy food was jailed.
Shaquille Brownhad been out of prison for four days on June 12, 2026, when he decided to try his luck breaking into a row of houses on Colley Road, in Parson Cross.
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The 31-year-old later told police he had come out of jail with no accommodation and only £30 to his name, leading him to see if any doors were unlocked in the hope of finding cash.
However, Sheffield Crown Court heard on Thursday, September 24, how Brown’s attempts were captured by a doorbell camera.
Prosecutor Mark Thomas said one of Brown’s would-be victims was awake when he tried her door at 3.40am.
He said: “She describes standing in her kitchen when her motion sensor triggered.
“She said this left her too worried to sleep or check the footage.
“She watched the footage the next day and saw the defendant trying her door handle.”
The camera also caught the 31-year-old trying two of her neighbours’ houses as well.
Days later, Brown was arrested on recall to prison over a previous burglary offence in 2024.
While in custody, he was interviewed by officers where he admitted the attempted burglaries on Colley Road.
His defence barrister, Emma Handley, said: “That evening, he was trying to gain access to cash or bank cards so he could buy himself food.
“This is a vicious cycle that he lives in.”
Since his arrest, Brown - who has 29 previous convictions for 56 offences - is serving the remainder of a previous prison sentence for shoplifting, burglary, and coercive and controlling behaviour that will likely see him released in May 2027.
He has reportedly found work in the prison kitchens, engaging with services and is also now receiving medication for paranoid schizophrenia.
Sentencing him, Recorder Mr Mark Cooper said: “You had been released from prison only four days prior to these offences, without any accommodation and very limited cash.
“It’s right to characterise your lifestyle as a vicious cycle.
“I am pleased to hear you are receiving help in prison.
“The sentence I pass means you are likely to be released not long after your current [prison term] expires.”
Brown was handed another 18 months in prison.