Man sentenced for series of burglaries – Taunton

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced for multiple counts of trespassing and burglary.

James Northcott-Brewer, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to six counts and was sentenced at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 November.

Northcott-Brewer pleaded guilty to one count of dwelling burglary, four counts of non-dwelling burglary and criminal damage.

The first four charges relate to offences committed in Taunton town centre between Wednesday 14 September and Thursday 6 October.

The court heard how the defendant went on a series of burglary starting in September when he broke into The Victoria Gate, in East Reach, and stole an unknown value of alcohol and cash.

He attended the following evening and caused damage to one of the windows at the pub.

On Wednesday 21 September, Northcott-Brewer then broke into a home in East Reach.

On Monday 3 October, the defendant then broke into Mambo, in Mill Lane, where he made off with £2,000-worth of alcohol.

He committed a further two non-dwelling burglaries on Friday 28 October while on bail.

Then court heard how the defendant trespassed in Pitcher and Piano, in Taunton, and stole £75 worth of alcohol. He later entered KFC in Taunton with the intent to steal.

Northcott-Brewer was handed an eight-month sentence suspended for two years. If Northcott-Brewer offends during this time, his sentence will be activated and he will be sent to prison.

He was also ordered to pay £494.45 in compensation to one of the victims and received a rehabilitation order.

Officer in the case, PC Brennan Brown, said: “This was a joint effort from those working within Operation Remedy and our patrol teams.

“Tackling burglary remains a high priority for the police and we will continue to do everything we can to bring those offenders to justice.”