Man who burgled homes told officers to 'prove it'

A man who burgled three homes has been jailed for five years after he told an officer questioning him to "prove it."

Jason Brown, 53, stole jewellery which belonged to the late wife of one of his victims and carried out another burglary while a victim was asleep.

Brown was caught after a police found CCTV and forensic evidence proving he was the culprit, and he later admitted the offences in court.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday.

On sentencing, Mr Recorder Mawhinney said: "You have caused all three victims high levels of psychological and emotional harm."

On 6 November 2025, Brown stole jewellery with sentimental value from the home of a man whose wife had recently died.

He also took a valuable camera collection and the victim's car, which was later found abandoned half a mile from where it was stolen.

Speaking in court, the victim said his children will not be able to own "treasured items that would have allowed them physical memories of their mother".

The followng week, on 15 November, Brown was captured on CCTV trying to gain entry to a garden shed with a shovel in Brookthorpe, near Gloucester.

He was wearing a face covering, which slipped off, meaning officers were able to recognise him.

Brown forced entry to the home and stole cash, golf clubs, a ring and credit cards.

In his final burglary, Brown broke into a home in Matson on 30 November, and was caught on CCTV wearing a dressing gown and sliders footwear.

He stole several Christmas presents from under the tree while one of the occupants was sleeping on a sofa nearby.

One of the victims in this burglary read her statement to the court.

She said: "It was your decision to lurk and creep through my property while I slept.

Your decision to steal Christmas presents meant for my loved ones. Your decision to watch my best friend sleeping on the sofa, attempting to instill fear and unease."

Brown handed himself in to police on 8 December.

In interview he gave a no comment answer to all questions, except telling an officer to "prove it".

Brown's defence barrister said he was sorry for the harm he caused.

It was heard how he suffered from long-term substance misuse and had relapsed, and that he committed the burglaries while under the influence of drugs.

The court was told how Brown had been in court on numerous occasions previously for committing dwelling burglaries, and that he was on licence at the time of the offences.

PC Tim Burch from Gloucestershire Police said: "Brown has shown a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others, repeatedly targeting homes and leaving a trail of disruption, misery, and fear behind him."

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