SHANE BARNBROOK FROM GRAYS CAUSES HAVOC IN SOUTHEND AND LEIGH CHARITY SHOPS

In July 2017, Shane Barnbrook, a known sex offender and habitual burglar from Grays, was sentenced to a total of three years in prison after a series of targeted crimes against charity shops and local businesses in the Southend and Leigh areas.

Barnbrook's criminal activities spanned over a month, during which he carried out multiple break-ins at various locations, including the Southend Hospital charity shop situated on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff. Over the course of his spree, he committed a total of 12 offences, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of premeditated theft and vandalism.

The court heard that Barnbrook had broken into the Southend Hospital charity shop on two separate occasions, causing damage valued at approximately £200, although he did not steal any items during these particular incidents. His repeated visits to the same location indicated a calculated approach, with evidence suggesting he had planned his actions rather than acting impulsively.

In addition to the hospital shop, Barnbrook targeted the Love and Kisses card shop also located on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff. He broke into this store on May 5 and returned a few days later, during which he managed to steal £210 in cash. His criminal activities extended further to the Il Pescatore restaurant on Queen’s Road in Southend, where he stole £60 a few days after the shop break-in.

Barnbrook’s criminal record also includes theft from charitable organizations. He stole a charity box containing £5 from the Children’s Society on Elm Road in Leigh and caused damage by smashing a back window at another charity in Hamlet Court Road, from which he took £50. His destructive tendencies were also evident when he caused approximately £1,000 worth of damage during a break-in at Chic, a store located in Rectory Grove, Leigh.

Furthermore, Barnbrook broke into the Southend Hospital charity shop on consecutive days, causing damage but not stealing any items during those particular incidents. His criminal activities also included theft from his former partner, from whom he stole an iPhone, adding to his list of offenses.

Prosecutor Charlotte Davison told Basildon Crown Court that Barnbrook’s fingerprints were found at multiple crime scenes, confirming his involvement. She emphasized that Barnbrook’s targeting of vulnerable premises, especially charity shops, was deliberate and indicative of a calculated criminal pattern.

During the hearing, mitigation was provided by Parm Panesar, who described Barnbrook as a drug addict who had fallen into debt with drug dealers. Panesar argued that the offences were relatively minor considering Barnbrook’s circumstances.

Judge John Coffey QC addressed the court, condemning Barnbrook’s actions as targeting vulnerable and charitable establishments, often resulting in significant financial loss or damage. He sentenced Barnbrook to 32 months in prison for the burglaries and an additional four months for theft and failing to notify police of his current address, which was a legal requirement given his previous convictions for sexual assault against a young girl.

Shane Barnbrook’s criminal spree in the Southend and Leigh areas has left a trail of damage and financial loss, highlighting the ongoing issues of repeat offenders and the importance of vigilant security measures at vulnerable premises.