The owner of the van was living in the vehicle at the time
Gareth Gilson jumped over a fence to try evade police but was caught shortly afterwards(Image: Nottinghamshire Police)
A Nottingham burglar tried to flee over a garden fence after taking part in an “upsetting” camper van break-in.
Gareth Gilson and two other men were spotted forcing their way into a camper van in Alwyn Road, Aspley, shortly after 4.30pm on April 7 last year.
The trio then hurriedly left the vehicle carrying a bicycle, camera gear and camping equipment.
As police officers arrived on the scene, Gilson was seen running down the road with another suspect.
After a brief foot chase, during which he was seen jumping over a garden fence, Gilson was detained and arrested.
His accomplice Luke Staniforth was identified later from security camera footage and was also arrested.
Both men gave no‑comment answers in their police interviews when asked about the break‑in or the identity of the third suspect, who evaded capture.
They later pleaded guilty to burglary and appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (March 11) for sentencing.
Gilson, 42, of Fenwick Road, Broxtowe, also admitted possessing cocaine and was given a two‑year prison sentence suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete an alcohol‑abstinence programme and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Staniforth, 39, also of Fenwick Road, Broxtowe, was given a 15‑month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete a drug‑rehabilitation programme and 120 hours of unpaid work.
PC Ross Morgan said: “This was an upsetting incident for the victim, who was living in the vehicle at the time.
“That fact would have been immediately obvious to Gilson and Staniforth on the day of the break‑in, which is why we were able to secure more serious charges of burglary against them.
“Thanks to a very timely call from a neighbour, we were able to arrive on scene within minutes and eventually put two suspects before the courts.”
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