One in a billion burglar jailed

A burglar was caught after DNA left at the scene proved it was “one billion times more likely” to be him than anyone else.

Nicu Bontea, 24, smashed his way into the property in Orwell Road, Barrington, near Cambridge, while the homeowners were out, but left a trail of DNA around the cottage.

A black balaclava with identifying saliva was also found discarded at the property by the homeowners when they returned from a night out.

Amongst the haul of property stolen from the cottage on 28 November last year, were distinctive rings, jewellery of sentimental value, spare car keys, watches, binoculars, a camera, and a historical special forces scorpion knife.

Bontea, of Sydenham Road, London, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to burglary after initially denying he was ever in Cambridgeshire.

He was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court last week (Thursday) to 15 months imprisonment.

DC Zoe Bramley said: “This burglary caused substantial loss to the homeowners who had highly sentimental jewellery stolen but never recovered.

“The DNA from multiple sources proved without doubt that Bontea was at the property. These forensics enabled us to gather evidence and arrest him.

“Although the jewellery was never recovered, I hope the sentencing provides some sense to the victims that justice has prevailed.

“Burglary is not a victimless crime, it’s an invasion of someone’s home and possessions and can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.”

Photo: Custody image of Nicu Bontea