Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 31 March 2023

A NUNEATON burglar who was identified from DNA on a beer can left outside his victim’s address has been jailed.

Three weeks ago and six days ago (Saturday, 4 March), Steven Powell pretended to be a bailiff in order to force entry into a flat on Abbey Street in Nuneaton.

He demanded a three-figure-sum of £560 from the homeowner within an hour, else he would start to remove items off of the property.

A short time later, Powell attempted to take the television, but he was stopped by the victim. He instead grabbed her handbag containing the victim’s purse and passport, before fleeing from the propery.

Officers investigating the incident discovered the beer can outside of the flat, and DNA identified Powell as a suspect. The victim then picked him out at an identification parade.

Powell, 37, of Spinning Wheel Drive, Nuneaton, was originally supposed to appear at Warwick Crown Court for sentencing on Monday (27 March) but failed to turn up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was eventually detained and put before the court today (Friday, 31 March) where he was jailed for 14 months after being convicted of burglary and failing to surrender to court bail.

Detective Constable Chloe Harrison from Nuneaton CID, said: “Powell clearly won’t have a career as a criminal mastermind. We’re always told drinking is bad for us, and this proved to be the case for him.

“In all seriousness, this was an extremely distressing incident for the victim who has shown bravery in supporting this investigation that has ultimately seen Powell put behind bars.”