A BRIERLEY Hill burglar who broke into a home in Dudley and made off with the owner’s car and valuables has been jailed.

John Nomikos, of Lower Derry Street, was sentenced to three years in prison at Wolverhampton Crown Court on February 2 for the offence, which happened in December last year.

The 22-year-old broke into a house in Stamford Road, Brierley Hill, overnight on December 10, before stealing a handbag containing a purse, a watch and keys to the owner’s car.

Nomikos then fled in the vehicle which was parked outside.

His escape was short lived, however, and he was arrested and charged within days and the vehicle was returned to its rightful owner.

During the police investigation, Nomikos also admitted involvement in 42 other house burglaries and these were taken into consideration when he was handed his three-year sentence and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Sergeant Mark Dent, from Dudley Police’s neighbourhood crime team, said: “Nomikos clearly planned this burglary, but through a comprehensive investigation we were able to piece together the offence and swiftly identify him as the perpetrator.

“We know burglary is a crime that causes a great deal of distress to its victims.

“It’s invasive and leaves those affected feeling vulnerable. We work hard to identify and catch offenders like Nomikos and it’s satisfying to see them rightly punished for their actions.”