Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

That takes the biscuit: Burglar caught after leaving fingerprints on box of Jaffa Cakes

While in the house he helped himself to Jaffa Cakes and a pasta meal before making off with three televisions and other valuables

Rob Williams
Friday 17 May 2013 12:08 BST

A burglar who was caught after helping himself to Jaffa Cakes from an elderly couple's home has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Reece O’Callaghan, 19, of Seven Acre Road, West Heath, broke into the home of an elderly couple after smashing a window in July last year.

While in the house he helped himself to Jaffa Cakes and a pasta meal before making off with three televisions and other valuables.

According to reports Mr O’Callaghan was spotted by a neighbour but had denied the offence.

Forensic examination of a Jaffa Cake box found a middle finger imprint meaning the evidence "literally pointed" at him, prosecutor Jason Pegg told Birmingham Crown Court.

Judge William Davis QC said his actions had left the couple "devastated."

According to the Birmingham Mail the wife had been unable to stop crying and the couple were 'mourning the loss' of sentimental items from their home which could not be replaced because they had been unable to afford insurance.

The judge also noted a separate incident in December in which Mr O’Callaghan and another man had “invaded” the home of a man who had “significant health problems.”

A 17-year-old, who had admitted aggravated burglary and burglary, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years detention.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in