A report by the Essex Chronicle into a burglary led to the jailing of a man who had previously been let off with a caution.
Ireneusz Blaszczyk, 24, was jailed for nine months after Essex Police chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle read the story in which victim Monique Cable, 24, attacked the police’s response.
Editor Paul Dent-Jones said: “It’s proof of the power of publicity and we’re really proud that we were able to help bring this burglar to justice.”
Blaszczyk entered Cable's home on 25 November 2012, stealing £5,000 worth of jewellery, as well as £105 cash and unwrapped Christmas presents – today’s Chronicle reports.
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He handed himself in on 21 February after DNA evidence from a latex glove led to a police appeal for him in the previous week’s Chronicle.
Dent-Jones said: “The decision to hand him a police caution was even more baffling considering the victims had actually helped police catch the burglar by finding a piece of a latex glove that forensic officers had missed.”
Cable attacked the decision in the Chronicle, which published criticism of the officers responsible from Barker-McCardle and police and crime commissioner Nick Alston later that March.
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Following an Out of Court Disposal Panel scrutinising the use of cautions, the burglar was summoned to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 18 September, and was jailed for nine months on 24 January.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Cable said: “I’m thankful for the way it was dealt with and it’s all thanks to the Chronicle for printing the story. Everything from the burglary came to light. You cottoned on that it was not quite right.”
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