A CUNNING criminal has been sentenced to two years in prison after he was apprehended whilst hiding in a bush.

In January this year, three burglaries were reported to police within 24 hours by concerned locals of Darras Hall, Ponteland, after a hooded man entered several addresses and stole residents’ valuables.

Officers were deployed to the Northumberland addresses and, following a short pursuit by PD Chief and his handler, Liam Curry, 27, was located evading arrest in the nearby foliage on Runnymede Road.

PD Chief also unearthed a holdall of items stolen from residents which the brazen burglar had dropped en route, including a laptop, a tablet, a gold bracelet, cash, and bank cards.

These corresponded to items reported as stolen earlier in the evening and pinned Curry to the crime.

Subsequently, he was arrested on suspicion of burglary and taken into custody.

He was later charged with two counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

On February 24, Curry, of Melbourne Court, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to the offences at Newcastle Crown Court.

And on Thursday, May 1), Curry attended the same court where he was sentenced to two years imprisonment, and ordered to pay compensation to the victims.

In charge of the investigation was Detective Constable Phil Nelson, of Northumbria Police, who has today praised the verdict.

He said: “The positive result in apprehending Curry is thanks to excellent teamwork between our officers and PD Chief, who has certainly shown how invaluable the four-legged members of our Force are.

“Curry clearly thought he was able to dodge being caught by hiding in the shrubs, however his luck quickly ran out and he was swiftly arrested.

“Following a thorough and swift investigation, we were able to present the CPS with solid evidence which resulted in Curry being left with no other option but to plead guilty, and he has subsequently been sentenced.

“We hope this sentence reassures Darras Hall residents of our commitment to keeping the area safe, and thanks to a speedy response by all involved, the offender was detained, and the valuables returned to their rightful owners.

“We would continue to ask the public to report any suspicious behaviour to us, and to continue to work with them to help reduce the impact burglary can have by ensuring doors, windows and properties are kept secure and valuables out of view.”