Three-year jail sentence for Rotherham man who burgled days after release from prison

James Dixon, (39), of no fixed abode, was released from prison in June 2021 and within a matter of days, knocked on the door of a property in Shaftesbury Square, Eastwood, and asked the occupant if he could fill up his fizzy drink bottle with water.

The victim allowed Dixon in, and after staying at the address for a few minutes, he was asked to leave. He stole a bottle of whiskey before leaving the property on foot.

Following a media appeal, Dixon was quickly identified and arrested in July 2021.

He made no comment when interviewed but was charged with burglary and, at Sheffield Crown Court last Monday, Dixon pleaded guilty to burglary.

The court police matched his DNA to a stolen bottle of whiskey.

Dixon was sentenced last Thursday to three years in prison.

South Yorkshire Police investigations officer Rachel Scott said: “Dixon has previously been convicted for burglary and despite serving time behind bars, failed to learn his lesson and offended again.

“He took advantage of a vulnerable man’s good nature of wanting to help and it left him feeling exposed in his own home. I’d like to thank him for coming forward and assisting in the investigation.

“Our officers worked quickly to apprehend him and because he left the bottle, we could match his DNA. I’m pleased that Dixon is now back behind bars and is now paying for his actions.”