A burglar who ransacked a children’s day nursery in Beeston and stole electronic tablets during a weekend raid has been jailed.
Gary Parnell caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage when he broke into The Orchard Day Nursery in Nether Street, Beeston.
The 41-year-old stole five electronic tablets and carried out a search of the whole building during the burglary which happened around 9am on Sunday 7 April 2024.
He was caught on CCTV as he smashed a door to gain entry before he left the nursery carrying a bag containing the tablets.
Parnell, of no fixed address, went on to steal a mountain bike after entering a shed at an address in Marina Avenue, Chilwell, at around 8.35am on 19 April 2024.
Following inquiries, including trawling though CCTV footage, officers arrested Parnell in Nottingham city centre and he was subsequently charged.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary which he was sentenced for at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday (26 April 2024).
Parnell also pleaded guilty to offences of theft and assault by beating of a shop worker at the B&M Bargains store at the Castle Marina Retail Park, in Nottingham, on 10 April 2024.
The worker was watching CCTV cameras when his attention was drawn to Parnell who was acting suspiciously near the vapes.
He was seen to take something from the shelf, remove it from its packaging, and put it in his pocket. Parnell then left the store without paying for the vape.
When the worker challenged Parnell outside, he was met with aggression. Parnell punched him to the side of his jaw, causing pain and discomfort, before he rode off on a bike.
Parnell also admitted carrying out another shop theft, on 3 April 2024, when he stole £110 worth of cheese from the Co-op in Beckhampton Road, Bestwood.
He was jailed for a total of six months and ordered to pay £100 compensation.
Inspector Mike Ebbins, District Commander for Broxtowe, said: “Parnell showed a blatant disregard for people and their property when he carried out these appalling crimes.
“To target and break into a children’s nursery and then steal key equipment used to teach young children is despicable, let alone the cost of the damage and distress he caused.
“Being a victim of burglary and theft can leave people feeling scared and vulnerable and can have a long-lasting impact. Our message to those who commit these types of offences is clear: we will not tolerate this behaviour, you will be caught and arrested, and you will be prosecuted.
“It’s also totally unacceptable that a shop worker was assaulted by Parnell when he was just doing his job. Retail staff should not have to put up with violence or fear for their safety.
“We continue to work with and support our local retailers in tackling shop theft.
“These offences have a huge impact on local businesses and the wider community, and we will continue to work hard to identify and disrupt prolific offenders and bring them to justice.”
