Prolific burglar sentenced to five years after DNA on plaster linked him to burglary in Olton

A prolific burglar has been sentenced to five years behind bars after officers linked him to a Solihull crime scene – thanks to a plaster.

Lee Brewster of Warwick Road, Acocks Green, smashed a window and broke into a house in St Bernard’s Road, Olton while the owners were on holiday between 27th December last year and 4th January.

He ransacked it searching for valuables and escaped with some jewellery, but officers found traces of his blood left behind on a plaster he had taken out of the owner’s first aid box.

DNA linked Brewster, aged 39, to the scene and he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on March 2 for that offence and three others committed across the border in Warwickshire within a two week period.

Detective Inspector Darren Lee from Solihull Police said; “Brewster has a long history of offending, with 26 convictions for burglary dating back as far as 1992.

“It is good news for the local community that we were able to find the evidence that meant he quickly pleaded guilty at court to his latest crimes.

“Being burgled can have a major impact on victims, both financially and emotionally and we are committed to taking those people that commit offences off the streets.”