A MAN who stole a collection box and committed a burglary has been sentenced to 32 weeks in prison.

Dylan Leslie Brewer, 39, of Orchard Court, Gillingham, stole the charity box, in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, from a shop in Gillingham just before midday on Monday, May 17, Poole Magistrates' Court was told.

That same day, in the early hours, a burglary was reported at a property on Hyde Road in the north Dorset town.

The victim of the burglary woke up at his home around 2.45am and went downstairs to discover his living room door was open.

A 32-inch television and remote control was missing.

Crime scene investigators recovered fingerprints from a lead that had been connected to the television, as well as a door handle. These fingerprints were matched to Brewer.

Dorset Police said that at 11.55am on May 17, Brewer entered Cavell Cleaning, High Street, Gillingham, and spoke to a member of staff at the till.

He asked whether the shop repaired shoes and was told no and directed to shops nearby.

A few days later shop staff realised the charity box was missing. When they checked their CCTV system, Brewer – who was identified by a police officer – was seen stealing the charity box.

Neighbourhood inspector Simon Perry, of north and east Dorset police, said: "It is unacceptable for someone to steal personal property and money that was intended to go to charity.

"I am pleased that through the investigations conducted we were able to identify Brewer as the culprit and bring him before the court to face justice for his actions."

Brewer was sentenced at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 18, after pleading guilty to burglary and theft.