Burglar Caught Red-Handed After Trick Door Knock in Maidstone
Shirtless Intruder Caught in the Act
On 11 August 2022, Sutton Valence Hill residents were shocked when a noise came from a bedroom inside their home. They confronted shirtless Lee Cuthbert, clad in flip-flops, wandering inside their property. He claimed he had knocked several times and was looking for work.
Whisky-Bottle-Bearing Burglar Tried to Bluff His Way Out
Cuthbert had entered the house holding a whisky bottle. He quickly rattled off his name and address in a bid to seem legit before slinking away. But Maidstone CID investigators soon confirmed the owners hadn’t hired anyone and smelled a rat. They figured Cuthbert gave a fake name just to cover himself after being caught off guard in the victim’s home.
Convicted Burglar Jailed for Three Years
The 44-year-old from The Harbour, Maidstone was arrested two weeks after the incident on 25 August. He faced court charged with burglary. Despite pleading not guilty, Cuthbert was convicted after a three-day trial at Maidstone Crown Court. On Wednesday 15 March 2023, he was sentenced to three years behind bars.
Detective Constable Chris Welham said: “This criminal failed to abide by the conditions of his probation licence and went on to burgle another house. These prolific offenders target victims without a thought for the impact their crimes will have and they deserve some time in prison.”
