Jail for Ely burglar who struck while victim slept

Stephen Neal broke into a home on Trafalgar Street in Cambridge at 3am on 7th August 2023.

The prolific criminal took the victim’s e-scooter, charger and a pair of trainers.

Neal was captured on CCTV and identified by police who tracked him down in Mill Road later that morning, riding the victim’s scooter.

Inside the 36-year-old’s bag was also the charger and trainers he had stolen.

On 10th October 2023 at Huntingdon Law Courts, Neal, of High Barns, Ely, pleaded guilty to burglary and three breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison.

Neal was given the two-year CBO in December 2021 which stated he must not:

• Be in possession of any pedal cycle part or pedal cycle unless having notified the police within 24 hours of his lawful possession, providing any details of the possession.
• Go to Superdrug, Boots or Go Outdoors stores in Cambridge within the boundary of the M11, A11 and A14.

Investigator PC Ryan Parker said:

“Neal is a prolific criminal who has a flagrant disregard for people and their property. 

"We have arrested him numerous times this year and put him before the courts. 

"This latest sentence reflects the significance of his continued offending across Cambridgeshire.”