A man who burgled two homes in Brighton and Hove, injuring a female resident during one encounter, has been jailed.
Lynden David, 57, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday, December 22, after being found guilty of two counts of burglary.
The first incident took place on July 15 when a resident of Brunswick Terrace in Hove was notified of transactions being made on her credit card – which she believed she had left secured in her home.
When she returned to her flat she discovered the front door had been forced open and the property had been searched.
A number of items including cash and jewellery worth around £1,790 had been stolen.
David was identified as a suspect after his fingerprints were found at the scene.
Two days later, a woman in Bartholomews in Brighton was woken up by an unknown man entering her flat.
He grabbed her purse and a struggle ensued, after which she injured her foot while pursuing him out of the building.
David was identified as a suspect by the victim’s description and officers’ knowledge of his usual methods.
Officers on patrol in Brighton spotted David on the seafront on August 18 and after being arrested a search found gloves and makeshift items typically used to open locked doors.
The next day he was picked out of a line-up by the second victim, charged with two counts of burglary and remanded in court.
At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, December 22, he was jailed for six years.
Detective Chief Inspector Cath O’Connor said: “Lynden David is a committed criminal who carried out both of these offences while wanted for arrest in relation to a separate charge.
“These undoubtedly traumatic break-ins caused significant harm to the victims and we thank them for their support in securing this conviction.
“David’s arrest in August was also a great example of proactive policing by officers who understand their communities and are able to swiftly recognise the people of significant interest within them.”
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