A SERIAL offender who committed a string of burglaries in an Isle of Wight town last year, armed with a knife, was handed a hefty jail term.

This lunchtime (Thursday), David Dunford, of Thornton Manor Drive, Ryde, was imprisoned for 28 months by judge, Recorder Malcolm Gibney, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

On February 8, two months before going on trial, Dunford admitted to four non-dwelling burglaries, possessing a knife, going equipped for burglary, causing criminal damage and assaulting a police officer, in Ryde, on September 24 last year.

The 43-year-old also admitted possessing a 6in kitchen knife, in Ryde, on October 14 last year.

Regarding the September 24 offending, Dunford initially targeted the Royal Victoria Arcade, in Union Street.

Dunford forced his way into Ani's Collectables and stole £842 worth of teddy bears and figurines, then entered Clutterbox and stole up to £1,500 worth of items, which comprised mainly jewellery and medals, said Claire Brocklebank, prosecuting. 

Dunford also stole £30 cash and a charity box from the Wight Horse shop.    

That night, Dunford, a former laminator, broke into Ryde fabricating company, Trucast.

Caught on CCTV, walking around the premises, going through lockers, Dunford caused £3,284.94 damage to an 'air lock' and 'high speed' door.

To make his escape, Dunford stole an employee's bicycle, then sprayed graffiti on a company van, with stars and a smiley face.

"I can't believe a man in his 40s could be so stupid and childish," the worker added.

Dunford was eventually arrested after he tried to evade officers.

Police recovered various items, with the value of price-tagged goods coming to £3,950.

Dunford made threats against officers, which included one to handcuff one with barbed wire.

On October 14, having been released on police bail, Dunford was found with a kitchen knife, which he claimed he was using for cooking.

Dunford, who had spent almost seven months remanded in custody, has a previous record of 35 court appearances for 103 offences.  

For Dunford, Holly Fagan said her client has multiple diagnosed mental health problems and did well after his children were taken into care, but rapidly went into decline after taking himself off his medication.

Dunford, also convicted of harassing Island Echo editor Darren Toogood on Facebook, has since expressed remorse.

Isle of Wight County Press: David DunfordDavid Dunford (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary)