Michael Mullin, 53, of Hollicombe Close in Tilehurst jailed for six months for burglary at Westwood Farm Community Centre on April 21, 2024

A man has been jailed for six months for committing burglary at a community centre.

Michael Mullin, aged 53, of Hollicombe Close, Tilehurst, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal and failure to surrender to custody in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on July 30, but failed to appear for sentencing at the same court on October 2.

He eventually appeared for sentencing on Monday, October 21, and was subsequently sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

Between the hours of 4am and 7am on April 21 this year, police were called to an intruder alarm at the Westwood Farm Community Centre in Tilehurst.

Upon arrival, officers located a forced entry point and searched the premises, but no one was located.

Following an investigation, including forensics and CCTV, Mullin was identified as the offender and was arrested on June 4 before being charged on June 21.

Investigating officer PC Rhys McCormick said: “This is an excellent result for the community of Tilehurst.

“Burglary and acquisitive crime has a detrimental impact on victims, families and the wider community.

“It leaves victims covering the cost of the damage caused to their properties, losing valuables and living with the impact of crime.

“This was a thorough investigation, identifying Mullin and bringing him to justice.

“I am pleased that he will now serve a custodial sentence as a result of his offending.”