Red Bull can DNA helps jail bungling pub burglar

A bungling burglar has been jailed after police matched his DNA from a can of Red Bull he took from a pub fridge.

Reece Wheat, 29, formerly of Coach Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, admitted a series of offences including breaking into The Model in November last year.

During the break-in, he helped himself to a drink and left the can inside the premises - allowing officers to later recover it and obtain a DNA sample linking him to the crime.

Wheat was jailed for 30 months at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

He stole thousands of pounds worth of cash and other valuables during a two-week burglary spree that targeted three Nottingham venues - including the pub - between 28 November and 12 December, Nottinghamshire Police said.

CCTV captured him during two of the break-ins casually making his way around the premises while drinking a can of Red Bull.

On both occasions he finished the drink before helping himself to cash from the till and other valuables he could find.

After managing to escape following the first two burglaries, Wheat was spotted and arrested shortly after carrying out a third break-in at another Nottingham bar on 12 December.

Wheat previously pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to a single charge of burglary other than a dwelling in connection with the pub break-in.

He also admitted further offences including seven additional burglaries other than a dwelling and two counts of shop theft.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.