Jailed for four-and-a-half years after string of burglaries

A 57-year-old woman who admitted a string of house burglaries in the Boston area has been jailed for four-and-a-half years at Lincoln Crown Court.

Jacqueline Pinkney was caught after she was spotted acting suspiciously outside a house in the Tattershall Road area of the town.

Police were called and Pinkney was arrested nearby. When she was searched items of stolen property were found on her and she confessed saying that more stolen property was stored in her bedroom.

Rosemary Kavanagh, prosecuting, said that Pinkney also burgled a house in Red Cap Lane, Boston in June stealing a lap top computer, jewellery and documents including passports.

The following month she broke into a house in Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft after smashing a window to get inside. An I-pad and jewellery were among the items taken.

Miss Kavanagh said “The victim had two dogs which she put out for the day. Frozen food from her freezer had been thrown into the dogs’ room presumably in an attempt to keep the dogs quiet.”

Pinkney also pleaded guilty to four charges of handling stolen goods between 1 and 22 July this year.

The stolen property was taken in two raids on a house in Sheriff Way, Boston, and at properties in Brackenbury Way and Parsons Drive in the town. The items taken included over £2,000 worth of football programmes and memorabilia together with two lap top computers, a wallet, jewellery, an iPod and a child’s bicycle.

Pinkney, 57, of Irby Street, Boston, admitted three charges of burglary and four charges of handling stolen property.

The court was told she had a long criminal record dating back to when she was a juvenile including 23 past convictions for burglary.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, in mitigation, said “She had a pretty tough start in life and that set her on the road she now finds herself on.

“Over the years she has had drug problems.”

He said Pinkney had been trying to put her past behind her but had lapsed.

“Her son also has a drugs problems. He was in debt for drugs and putting a lot of physical pressure on her.”

Judge John Pini QC, passing sentence, told Pinkney “Your past is littered with offences of shoplifting, theft and burglary.

“You have had every conceivable disposal both custodial and non-custodial. The courts have tried to help you with orders and treatment programmes. None has worked. You are a persistent repeat offender.