‘Remorseless’ burglar who ate food from victim’s fridge before stealing war medals is jailed

A “remorseless” burglar who stole treasured war medals and refused to reveal their whereabouts has been jailed for three years.

Grant Picketts, 41, of Northampton, broke into a home on Billing Road on a number of occasions in September and October when the homeowner was away caring for a sick friend.

Once inside, Picketts brazenly ate food from the owner’s fridge and stole a number of items including a television, electronic items, jewellery and irreplaceable war medals, Northampton Crown Court heard.

The war medals, which belonged to the homeowner’s father for services during World War II in the Wiltshire Regiment, were priceless.

Picketts refused to tell police where the war medals are so they could be returned to the homeowner, who did not want to be identified.

In a statement, the homeowner said: “This incident has caused me a lot of stress and has left me feeling completely violated.

“I struggle to comprehend how another human being can break into someone's home, dissect their belongings, and then steal whatever they fancy.

“What has upset me most is that my father's watches and war medals were taken. These are very precious and of great sentimental value to me. I wish I was able to recover them.”

A robust investigation into the incident led to Picketts eventually being arrested and charged with the offence.

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On Monday he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Terry Rush, of the Burglary Team West, said: “Grant Picketts is a remorseless burglar who unfortunately, has chosen to spend a large portion of his life stealing belongings from hardworking people as opposed to working hard himself.

“It’s such a shame that even now, he still won’t tell the victim whereabouts the war medals are.

“These items have such a high sentimental value to their rightful owner, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices the victim’s father made to serve our country and the bravery and immense contributions made of everyone who fought in the war.

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“How sad now that they ended up in the hands of someone completely unworthy to even touch them – Grant Picketts, a man whose actions have contributed nothing but misery to society.

“I’m pleased to see Picketts sentenced to three years in prison and I hope he spends time reflecting on the choices he has made so far in life, in order to make better ones when he comes out.”

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