This Burglar Is Not a Burglar...

Meet Joseph Bascombe, 28.

Bascombe was part of a gang that burgled the house of 42 year old Charles Reid, stealing, among other things, the Distinguished Flying Cross which had been posthumously awarded to his grandfather during the Second World War.

Mr Reid, who has a nephew currently serving in Afghanistan, was understandably upset:

Mr Reid said in a statement read out in court: “One of the most upsetting issues was my grandfather’s medal, which has thankfully been returned. I was devastated when I found it had been stolen.”

The thieves, two of whom escaped and have not been traced, dropped a photograph of Mr Reid's grandfather Kenneth Foster at the scene, so he was convinced they would have realised the medal had sentimental value.

Not to worry though - Bascombe's defence has some words of comfort:

John Wolfson, defending, said Boscombe had admitted his crime on his first appearance at the magistrates court.

He said there was a ‘large degree of inevitability’ that he would receive a custodial sentence.

He said: “He is not as such a burglar, but a man who has had a long problem with drugs.”

It all becomes clear! This wasn't so much a burglary, but a little bit of an unauthorised boot sale.

It seems John Wolfson has missed his calling - he's not so much a lawyer, but a comedian. One we're no doubt paying for.