Serial burglar caught by phone tracker jailed

A burglar who targeted more than 20 homes and described as having an "appalling" record is back behind bars after one of his victims tracked a mobile phone stolen in one of the raids, a court heard.

James Mashford, 45, ransacked the flat of a couple in Riverside, Grantham, on 24 July 2024.

The victim used a tracking app, which led officers to Mashford within 15 minutes, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

Mashford, of Avenue Road, Grantham, has been jailed for six years and 11 months after admitting two charges of burglary, three charges of fraud and one offence of possessing a bladed article.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, said the female homeowner was awoken by Mashford's accomplice, who has not been identified, sexually touching her.

The woman's partner also realised that his wallet and cash had been taken from his jeans as well as a mobile phone.

Mr Howes said: "Fortunately the occupants showed quick thinking and used a tracking device on the phone to quickly locate the defendant."

Lincolnshire Police found Mashford in the Commercial Road area where he had discarded a knife. He was also in possession of items taken in the burglary.

Mashford's fingerprint was also found at the home he burgled, the court heard.

Days earlier, on 11 June, Mashford took part in a distraction burglary at the home of a 73-year-old man in Agnes Street, also in Grantham.

Two days later he used a bank card stolen from a property in Grantley Street, to steal £750.

Mashford admitted carrying out both crimes.

Steve Taylor, mitigating, said Mashford had stayed out of trouble for 18 months after being released from a six-year jail sentence. But he returned to drugs since moving out of his mother's home.

Passing sentence, Recorder Andrew Jack told Mashford: "You are a man with an appalling record, with some 22 dwelling house burglaries."

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