ROBERT FRANCE FROM MARKET DEEPING SENTENCED FOR BURGLARY IN PETERBOROUGH

In a recent development in the ongoing saga of Robert France, a man with a notorious criminal history, he has once again found himself behind bars following a break-in at a residence in Peterborough. France, who is currently without a fixed address, was apprehended after breaking into a home located on Robert Avenue in the Dogsthorpe area of Peterborough. This incident marked his return to incarceration after a brief period of freedom, which lasted only five months since his release from prison on April 28, 2010.

France’s criminal record is extensive, with a history that includes 12 convictions for burglary dating back to his teenage years. His most infamous crime was the murder of 14-year-old Gillian Atkins in Market Deeping in 1983, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. France was convicted of strangling Gillian and assaulting her with a brick. He served over 23 years in prison before being released in July 2007. However, he was recalled to custody in March 2008 following a public order offence, and was eventually released again in April 2010.

On the recent occasion, France was caught after a couple returned home on October 3rd to find their house had been broken into. The couple had left their residence on October 1st and returned to discover signs of forced entry. A detailed investigation revealed that the back door had been tampered with in a distinctive manner. The wooden door had multiple holes drilled in a circular pattern, and a panel had been punched out, indicating a premeditated effort to gain entry.

During the search of the property, authorities uncovered that France had conducted a thorough search of the house. Among the items stolen were computer games, jewelry, and a dress belonging to the couple’s granddaughter. The dress was found placed in front of a photograph of the girl in the lounge, with two smudges of blood on it, suggesting a disturbing level of intent and possible emotional trauma inflicted upon the victims.

Prosecutor Craig McDougall described the scene, stating, “The couple left the address on Friday, 1st October, and returned on October 3 to find their house had been broken into. A search revealed that the back door had been broken into in a unique way. The door is wooden, and there had been a number of holes drilled into a circle, and a panel punched out. France had carried out a rough search of the house, and had taken computer games and jewelry items of sentimental value. He had also taken a dress belonging to the couple’s granddaughter, and it had been left in front of a photo of the girl in the lounge. There were two smudges of blood on the dress.”

Judge Nic Madge presided over the case and expressed his concern over the emotional impact of the crime. He remarked, “The placing of the dress in front of the photo would have caused additional trauma to the victims. He might not have realised it at the time, but if he had thought about it he may have realised that trauma was an inevitable consequence.”

During the court proceedings, a victim impact statement was read, revealing the deep emotional distress caused by the burglary. One resident explained that many of the stolen items belonged to her mother and grandmother, and she had intended to pass them down to her children and grandchildren. She stated, “I am so upset I can’t put it into words.”

The court also heard that France’s criminal history includes numerous convictions for burglary, highlighting a pattern of persistent offending. His defense attorney, Corrine Ransom, acknowledged his long-standing issues, stating, “He does have a long history of offending regarding burglaries, and of course the very serious conviction he received in 1983. He was locked up for many years, which had an enormous effect on his life. He found adjustment very difficult on the outside, and acquired a heroin problem inside.”

Judge Madge emphasized the seriousness of the offence, citing several aggravating factors. He pointed out the trauma inflicted on the victims, the premeditated nature of the break-in, the use of tools, and the theft of items of sentimental value. He also noted France’s status as a repeat offender and the fact that the offence occurred while he was on licence. As a result, France was sentenced to an additional five years in prison for the burglary, reinforcing the gravity of his actions and the ongoing consequences of his criminal behavior.