A smash-and-grab burglar who broke into a restaurant and stole cash and alcohol has been jailed after police pinned him to the crime from fingerprints left at the scene and from CCTV footage.
Jonathan Blundell smashed a window to gain entry to Bella Vita, in Main Street, Ollerton. Cash was taken from a till and tips jar and bottles of spirits were also taken.
The break-in was reported to police at around 9.50am on Sunday 19 February 2023 when staff discovered the window had been smashed overnight.
Following a police investigation, two fingerprints taken from glass at the point of entry proved to be a match for 34-year-old Blundell who was also caught on CCTV cameras.
Blundell, formerly of Yew Tree Road, Ollerton, was arrested and went on to plead guilty to a charge of burglary.
He also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage at an address in Forest View, Ollerton, on 11 February 2023, where it was reported bricks were thrown at windows causing them to smash. Damage was also caused to a television.
In addition, he also pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour towards a woman at the Costcutter store in Whitewater Road, Ollerton, on 13 February 2023.
Blundell was locked up for a total of 13 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (11 May 2023).
Detective Constable Emma Beardmore, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I’m pleased Blundell has been brought to justice and is now off our streets.
“Burglaries are an invasive crime and the thought of strangers breaking into people’s homes and business premises can be deeply upsetting for the victims.
“Nottinghamshire Police treats burglary, criminal damage, and threatening behaviour very seriously and our commitment is unwavering to reduce these types of offences in our communities and to prevent criminality of this sort before it happens.”
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