Smirking Blackpool burglar jailed after being caught on CCTV

A burglar with more than two dozen previous convictions has been jailed after he was caught smiling smugly to himself on CCTV as he prowled around a home in Cleveleys in the dead of night.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 8th Aug 2022, 14:32 BST
Updated 12th Aug 2022, 14:25 BST
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Casey McDonnell, 40, from Blackpool, was captured on security cameras as he crept around a home in North Drive at 4.15am on Saturday, July 30.

In the footage, he can be seen smirking to himself as he climbs over a fence and into the back garden where he attempts to gain access to the home.

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The homeowners handed the video to police who were able to identify him. He was later arrested and charged.

Casey McDonnell was jailed for 12 weeks at Blackpool Magistrates’ on Monday, August 8 where he pleaded guilty to attempted burglaryCasey McDonnell was jailed for 12 weeks at Blackpool Magistrates’ on Monday, August 8 where he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary
Casey McDonnell was jailed for 12 weeks at Blackpool Magistrates’ on Monday, August 8 where he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary
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McDonnell appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ today (Monday, August 8) where the prosecution played the footage to the court.

After viewing the video, McDonnell – who was on licence from prison at the time of his offence – pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

He was jailed for 12 weeks and must pay £239 costs.

The court heard how McDonnell has a long criminal record which includes more than two dozen previous burglary offences.