A Norfolk detective has today welcomed the jail sentence handed to a burglar who was caught red handed with stolen goods in a rucksack.

Neil Barrett, 46, of Hillcrest Avenue, Dereham was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court after pleading guilty to burglary.

Police were called shortly before midnight on Thursday, January 14 to reports of a loud bang and a man, who wearing a rucksack, acting suspiciously and hiding by a property in Hyde Road in Dereham.

Officers attended and found Barrett in possession of tools, including a wooden hammer and a screwdriver; four mobile phones and two shooting medals he'd stolen from an address in Hyde Road.

He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where he was subsequently charged.

Investigating officer, detective constable James Morgan from Thetford CID, welcomed the sentence.

He said: 'To have your home entered, searched through and possessions stolen by an unwelcome visitor can be very distressing.

'We hope such a case sends a strong message out to such offenders that this is a serious matter and the courts will not tolerate such despicable behaviour.

'Hopefully the victim will get some satisfaction knowing a lengthy custodial sentence has been passed.'