A BURGLAR has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment because each break-in had a sexual element. Martin Collier, aged 42, formerly of Nicholas Close, St Albans, was convicted of three burglaries in Crown Court yesterday. (Wednesday). He had earlier

A BURGLAR has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment because each break-in had a sexual element.

Martin Collier, aged 42, formerly of Nicholas Close, St Albans, was convicted of three burglaries in Crown Court yesterday. (Wednesday).

He had earlier pleaded guilty to the break-ins that had been committed across the district in January this year.

The court heard that the burglaries had a sexual element to them which was reflected in the length of sentence passed by Judge Baker.

Det Sgt Claire Harvey of the county prolific offender team said: "This is an excellent result which represents the severity of Collier's crimes. His offences had a profound effect on his victims and I hope this result helps them move on from the distress, misery and inconvenience he caused them.

"I am pleased that our hard work, determination and patience has paid off and he is now serving justice behind bars.