Burglar who targeted home of Second World War veteran jailed - The Solihull Observer

Burglar who targeted home of Second World War veteran jailed

Solihull Editorial 6th Nov, 2019   0

A CALLOUS burglar who targeted the home of a Second World War veteran has been jailed after police traced him from blood found on a broken window.

Wesley McDonnell forced his way inside the 98-year-old’s Bordesley Green home at 11pm on September 26 before snatching £200 in cash.

The victim – who served around the world with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm – phoned a friend who alerted West Midlands Police to the burglary.

The force traced McDonnell, from Well Close in Bromford, to an address in Shirley and he was arrested on October 6.




Forensics experts found droplets of blood on a glass door pane the 40-year-old smashed as he tried forcing open the property’s front door – and when analysed it returned a DNA hit to McDonnell who has a history of breaking into pensioners’ homes.

He initially denied the offence and claimed to have cut himself while carrying out work at the victim’s address.


However, he entered a guilty plea on the eve of his trial and at Birmingham Crown Court and he was jailed for four years four months, plus an additional eight months for handling stolen goods.

Detective Constable Jen Horobin, said: “This is the time of year when decent, respectful people across the UK and beyond recognise the bravery and sacrifices made by those who served their country in conflict.

“Wesley McDonnell has no such respect – in fact he has a history of deliberately targeting elderly, vulnerable people he deems easy prey to steal from.

“Thankfully his victim on this occasion was not physically hurt but was understandably shaken up by someone breaking into his home late at night.

“I’m pleased McDonnell has been handed a significant term behind bars where he can no longer cause harm in our communities.”

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