A QUICK thinking householder who spotted a man rifling through a box in her garden, snapped his picture on her mobile phone and helped police catch a burglar.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Robina Shaikh had only left her home in Musgrave Road, Bolton for 30 minutes on September 24.

But when she returned at 3.45pm she discovered her television in the back garden and found her home had been searched and items stolen, including bank cards, keys and a box containing jewellery.

Duncan Wilcock, prosecuting, told the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson, that the same afternoon Jane Pendlebury saw a man in her back garden, searching through a box and putting items in his pockets before discarding the container.

“Mrs Pendlebury had the wherewithal to take a photograph of the defendant with her mobile phone,” said Mr Wilcock.

The image was passed to police, who identified the man as 35-year-old Wayne Davenport.

Earlier this month he was arrested and initially claimed he had just found the jewellery box. He subsequently pleaded guilty to burglary.

Mr Wilcock said goods worth around £2,000 taken from Mrs Shaikh’s home have never been recovered and, following the burglary, her bank cards were used on four occasions at an off-licence and newsagents.

He added that Mrs Shaikh and her family are now concerned about their home being burgled again.

The court heard that Davenport, of Highland Road, Horwich, has 37 prior convictions, mainly for theft and dishonesty and has previously been sent to jail for burglary on three occasions.

Rosalind Emsley-Smith, defending, told the judge: “Regrettably, it’s an all too familiar story. At the time of the offence he was struggling with a drug addiction.

“For half his adult life he has been living in this way.

“He has a deep sense of regret and feels that now, if ever, is the time to make positive changes.”

Sentencing Davenport to three years in jail, Judge Clayson told him: “It is a serious matter because, not only was the whole house searched, but a considerable amount of property was taken including sentimental items.

“Fortunately, there was no confrontation.”

He added that Davenport needs to address his drug issues.

“Somewhat ironically, a prison sentence gives you that opportunity,” Judge Clayson told him.