A JEWELLERY shop burglar was caught when a police officer recognised his distinctive “snake eyes” on CCTV footage.

During a trial at Bolton Crown Court Shaun Gordon denied he was the man seen grabbing watches, rings and earrings, worth £8,534, from Kinners jewellers on Brackley Street, Farnworth.

But, following a two day trial, it took a jury of seven women and four men less than half an hour to find the prolific thief guilty.

Gordon, aged 46, of Park Road, Bolton, stood in the dock shaking his head as the verdict was announced.

Sentencing him to three years and 24 weeks in prison, the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh told Gordon: “You have an appalling antecedent history including convictions for 47 burglaries and attempted burglaries.”

In total Gordon has 59 previous convictions for 114 offences.

At the time of the break-in Gordon was subject to two suspended prison sentences for previous offences and Judge Walsh told him he had already been given chances to engage with probation and other services.

“It is clear from your antecedent history that they have been of little benefit,” the judge told him.

During the trial the court heard how Gordon scaled the side of the building at around 4.30am on April 9 last year before breaking into the shop and making off with 18 rings, a gold chain, a pair of diamond stud earrings and three watches.

Gordon was seen on CCTV wearing gloves, with a torch in his mouth and carrying an implement, thought to be a bolt cutter.

PC Andrew Smart told how he viewed the CCTV footage and recognised Gordon as someone with whom he had previously had dealings and known for around 10 years.

PC Smart told the court: He was known and ‘snake eyes’ because he has very distinctive eyes. In the video you can see his distinctive eyes.”

His most recent meeting with Gordon came shortly before the jewellery shop burglary.

In addition to the goods stolen Gordon caused damage, estimated at £458 to repair, to three door frames, two windows, the alarm systems and steel bars.

Nick Ross, defending, told the court that Gordon has previously completed a drug treatment programme.

“He asserts he is now drug free,” said Mr Ross