A burglar who stole a laptop from a sleeping child before violently attacking his granddad has been jailed – and prompted a “big thumbs up” to our officers from the victim’s son.
Cruel Steven Kinsella forced his way into the family home in Hyperion Road, Bromford, in the early hours of 22 August.
He crept upstairs and stole a laptop from under the schoolboy’s pillow but was disturbed by the 75-year-old victim as he was leaving.
Kinsella punched the pensioner to the floor – leaving him with nasty facial cuts and bruising – before running off with two phones and car keys.
He went on to steal a BMX bike from a home in nearby Bromford Drive having smashed a window – but less than an hour later Police had arrested the 37-year-old.
Earlier that morning officers had attended another home in Bromford Road following reports of a domestic incident.
The offender was nowhere to be seen but the description matched that of the burglary offender and our officers were on hand to arrest Kinsella when he returned to his partner’s address.
He tried denying involvement but was found in possession of the victim’s phone, plus he BMX bike was recovered inside the house.
Kinsella, from Highfield Road in Washwood Heath, went on to admit robbery and attempted burglary and at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (8 October) was jailed for six years and eight months.
The victim’s son, Azhar Rajab, thanked our officers for swiftly responding to his son’s 999 call in the early hours of the morning – and securing justice for his dad.
He said: “One of my son’s made the emergency call while the offender was struggling with my dad. They arrived within five minutes and helped treat my injured father and comfort my children who were all in shock.
“The burglar was arrested about an hour later which was great.
“On behalf of my dad I wanted to say a big thumbs up to Jay for helping us through the whole process, taking statements, ID parades and supporting us through the court process.”
Investigating officer, PC Jay Aston from Stechford CID, added: “This was a shocking, violent burglary. The victim crept into a child’s bedroom as he slept and literally stole property from under his nose before punching and kicking his grandfather.
“The victim suffered nasty injuries and is still struggling with the psychological impact of seeing an intruder in his family home.
“I wish him well with his continued recovery and hope the fact Kinsella has been jailed for several years will offer some comfort.”