Wine estate burglar caught after DNA left on beer can

A man who broke into Hencote Estate in Shropshire and stole two air rifles and drinks from the fridge has been caught after he left his DNA behind on a beer can.

Jack Lloyd, 30, broke into Hencote Estate on the night of 21 January and stole two air rifles worth £400, caused damage to windows and doors, and consumed a can of coke and beer, leaving both on the floor.

The DNA obtained from the empty beer can was then used to catch Lloyd, who had been recently released on conditional discharge after committing another criminal damage offence.

Before his sentencing last Friday at Telford Magistrates Court, Lloyd pleaded guilty to burglary and commission of a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge.

As reported in Shropshire Star, prosecutor Sara Beddows said: “The estate was left secured on the night. The manager attended the site the following morning and discovered there had been a burglary.

“The hinges to an office door had been ripped off and windows around the back of the property had been damaged and wrenched open.

“A printer had been moved, two air rifles and their cases had been removed and there were muddy footprints on the walls.

“A can of Coca Cola and a can of beer had also been taken from the fridge, drunk and thrown on the floor. There was DNA found on the can of beer which led to the police arresting the defendant.”

According to the news site, probation officer Phil Kaleta said that Lloyd has committed a string of offences and suffers from mental health problems and drug use.

Lloyd was given an 18-week custodial sentence, reduced from 24 weeks and suspended for 12 months. He was also fined £100 costs, a £115 victim surcharge and £400 for the two air rifles.

Wine estate and hospitality business Hencote is planted with over 24,000 vines and has an on-site restaurant, winery, bar and glamping village. The vineyard is planted with Solaris, Madeleine-Angevine, Reichensteiner, Rondo and Dornfelder vines.