Two fearful youngsters hid in their Sheffield home as a serial burglar raided the house

Sheffield Crown Court heard on May 6 how Robert Kenny, aged 35, who is currently a serving prisoner in Doncaster, admitted two burglaries including one at a home on Brincliffe Edge Road, Nether Edge, and one at a home on Leedham Close, near Concord Park.

Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said during the second raid at Leadham Close two young brothers had at been at home alone and had been forced to lock themselves in a bedroom and phone for help.

One of the brothers had spotted Kenny and another man outside before hearing a loud smash, according to Mr Jones.

Mr Jones added: “He realised the house was being burgled and went to his younger brother and got him and himself into a bedroom and locked the door from the inside and instructed for his brother to phone for help and his brother phoned his grandfather.”

One of the burglars tried to force the bedroom door open using bodyweight, according to Mr Jones, but the older brother said, ‘hello’, and that scared off the intruder.

The brothers’ grandfather found the patio door broken with an estimated £1,500 of damage and he detained Kenny until police arrived after the raid on November 15.

Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said Kenny was linked to the first burglary in Nether Edge on November 11 after a neighbour had been alerted by an alarm and she crossed paths with the defendant as he fled.

Kenny had gained entry to this property by throwing a brick through a window, according to Mr Jones, and the defendant stole jewellery and sunglasses but was linked to the offence from DNA from blood left at the premises. Mr Jones added the cost of stolen goods and damage at this property was estimated at £2,924.

Michael Cane-Soothill, defending, said Kenny, who previous convictions for burglaries, has had a troubled up-bringing and the defendant wants the opportunity to lead a normal life but needs help.

Judge Graham Reeds QC highlighted that Kenny has ten previous convictions for house burglaries before he sentenced him to four-years of custody.