Nuneaton burglar jailed after being identified from DNA left on beer can

He pretended to be a bailiff to force entry to a flat in Abbey Street, Nuneaton.

A burglar who was identified from DNA on a beer can he left outside his victim’s address has been jailed for 14 months.

On the 4th of March, Steven Powell pretended to be a bailiff to force entry to a flat in Abbey Street, Nuneaton.

He demanded the homeowner give him £560 within an hour or he would start to remove items from the property.

He then attempted to take the television but was stopped by the victim.

Instead, he grabbed her handbag containing the victim’s purse and passport and fled.

Investigating officers discovered the beer can outside the flat and DNA identified Powell as a suspect. The victim then picked him out at an identification parade.

Detective Constable Chloe Harrison from Nuneaton CID said: “Powell clearly won’t have a career as a criminal mastermind. We’re always told drinking is bad for us, and this proved to be the case for him.

“In all seriousness, this was an extremely distressing incident for the victim who has shown bravery in supporting this investigation that has ultimately seen Powell put behind bars.”

Powell, 37, of Spinning Wheel Drive, Nuneaton was originally supposed to appear at Warwick Crown Court for sentencing on Monday (27th March) but failed to turn up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was eventually detained and put before the court on Friday 31st of March where he was jailed for 14 months after being convicted of burglary and failing to surrender to court bail.