R v Darren Robert James

Facts

The appellant, Darren Robert James, pleaded guilty on 24 February 2026 in the Crown Court at Gloucester before Mr Recorder Pakrooh to an indictment containing two counts: burglary contrary to section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968 and attempted burglary contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981, each count representing multiple offences against the same victim at his home. Between 14 August and 23 September 2025 the appellant entered the home of his neighbour, James Loveridge, on five separate occasions and stole food items; between 16 August and 15 September 2025 he attempted to enter the property on four further occasions with intent to steal. The victim was 64, housebound and had severe mobility issues, and had left his door unlocked for his daily carers. CCTV captured the attempts and showed the appellant wearing gloves and dark clothing with his hood up. Sentence was adjourned to 10 April 2026 for a pre-sentence report, but the appellant neither kept his probation appointment nor attended that hearing, and a bench warrant was required. On 17 April 2026 His Honour Judge Rupert Lowe sentenced him to 28 months' imprisonment concurrent on each count, declining to find exceptional circumstances displacing the minimum term. He appealed by leave of the single judge, who also granted a three-day extension of time.