TWO burglars who were caught in the act and chased down by their victim are now beginning lengthy jail sentences.

Andrew Bywater and Michael Claydon snatched a handbag, iPhone, cash, tobacco and a bike after breaking into an address in Hawthorn Square, in Seaham, in the early hours of Friday (May 6).

Read more: Concern grows for missing man, 60, who hasn't been seen since Sunday

But as they attempted to flee the scene, they were disturbed by the victim who chased them down and recovered his bike.

Throwing some of the stolen property back at the victim, Bywater and Claydon made off on foot but within just two hours later were detained and arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They both appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday morning (June 6) for sentencing.

Bywater, 33, of Alwin, in Washington, was handed a 27-month prison sentence.

Claydon, 33, of Chelmsford Street, in Darlington, was given a three-year prison sentence.

A/Detective Inspector Victoria Ford-Stubbs, from Seaham CID said: “We fully understand the emotional impact burglaries can have on victims and the wider effect it can have on the nearby residents.

“We will take quick and robust action to bring offenders like Bywater and Clayton to justice who think they can steal from hard working people.”

 

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