Norwich heavyweight boxer Sam Sexton who caught a burglar who had broken into his Norwich diner.

Burglar caught by Norwich boxer Sam Sexton is spared jail

Tom Bristow Tuesday, March 12, 2013
10:41 AM

A burglar who was caught by a heavyweight boxer breaking into his café was spared prison yesterday.

Lee Holden.

Lee Holden, pictured, chose the wrong diner to burgle on the morning on Thursday, February 7, when he came face to face with its owner – Norwich boxer Sam Sexton.

The fighter pinned down 36-year-old Holden who had climbed into KO’s Sports Diner on Hall Road through a window.

He found himself confronted by the former holder of the British Commonwealth heavyweight belt.

Mr Sexton, 28, had been opening up the café when he realised Holden had sneaked in.

He chased him around the back of the shop and pinned him down until police arrived.

At Norwich Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon, Holden, from Heathgate, off Gurney Road, was given an 18-month community order by district judge Peter Veits for the burglary.

He was also fined £85 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60.

Holden admitted the burglary and also pleaded guilty to possessing around six grammes of cannabis on February 7.

He was given an 18-month community order for possessing the Class B drug.

Mr Sexton opened KO’s sports diner, on the site of the old Pat’s Cafe, in January.

He revealed at the time how the Rocky films were the inspiration behind his venture.

Do you have a crime story for the Evening News? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk.