Man jailed for five years for burglaries after telling an officer to "prove it"

A man from Gloucester who burgled three homes has been jailed for five years after he told an officer questioning him in interview to "prove it".

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police, CCTV evidence and forensic tests at the scene did prove that 53-year-old Jason Brown was the culprit, and he later admitted the offences in court.

On 6 November last year (2025) Brown stole priceless sentimental jewellery from the home of a man whose wife had recently died. The victim had been on a walking holiday at the time in order to have some time away following his wife's funeral.

Brown smashed his way into the home in Abbeydale, Gloucester via the conservatory and once inside he stole jewellery belonging to the victim's late wife, a valuable camera collection and the victim's car.

The car was recovered this month abandoned about half-a-mile from where it had been stolen from, after it was reported by a member of the public.

Scenes of crime officers went to the scene and took a DNA sample from a window, which later gave a positive comparison to Brown.

The victim was in court and described the impact the crime had on him. He said: "When my wife passed I had discussed with our children which items of jewellery and other items they would like. Due to it all being a bit raw, they decided to wait a while then to look and make decisions in the new year.

"Sadly, this will now not happen, and they will not be able to own treasured items that would have allowed them physical memories of their mother. Not only have they lost their mother, but now have lost any chance of owning items belonging to her."

The following week, on 15 November, Brown was captured on CCTV trying to gain entry to a garden shed with a shovel in Brookthorpe, near Gloucester. He was wearing a face covering, which slipped off, and officers then recognised him after reviewing the footage.

Brown forced entry to the home and stole cash, golf clubs, a ring and credit cards.

Scenes of crime officers were able to obtain a DNA sample from the shovel, which later showed a positive comparison to Brown again.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: "I have never been a victim of a burglary before and the anxiety from the aftermath of this is overwhelming. The lack of sleep I had over the next few weeks; the anger that someone could break into my castle and go through mine and my wife's belongings and to walk out through the front door with my golf clubs.

"Then unbelievably to come back and take another set of golf clubs and all our belongings in a bag over his shoulder, not worrying about if someone sees him, has driven my mind to a depression I have never felt before."

In his final burglary, Brown broke into the home of an address not far from his own in Matson on 30 November and stole items while the occupants slept. It is thought he gained entry through a large dog flap.

Internal CCTV (pictured below) showed Brown in a dressing gown and sliders in the kitchen, and he stole several Christmas presents from under the tree while one of the occupants was asleep nearby on the sofa.

The CCTV images were viewed by police and Brown, formally of Matson Avenue, Gloucester, was again identified.

One of the victims in this burglary read her statement to the court. She said: "It was your decision to lurk and creep through my property while I slept. Your decision to steal Christmas presents meant for my loved ones. Your decision to watch my best friend sleeping on the sofa, attempting to instil fear and unease. Your decision to try to impact our lives for your own gain.

"You did not work for what you took. Your envy and sense of entitlement led you to invade a home that I worked hard to build. People in this community try to live honestly and contribute positively — and actions like yours bring fear and anxiety into a place that should feel safe."

Results from the forensic tests were returned in early December, and after attempts to arrest Brown over a week, he handed himself in on 8 December.

In interview he gave a no comment answer to all questions, except telling an officer to "prove it".

The substantial evidence did prove that Brown was responsible, and he was charged with three counts of burglary.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday (20 January) he pleaded guilty to the offences, and he was sentenced yesterday (Thursday 22 January) in the presence of the victims.

In mitigation, Brown's defence barrister said Brown was sorry for the harm he caused. It was heard how he suffered from long-term substance misuse and had relapsed, and that he committed the burglaries while under the influence of drugs.

The court was told how Brown had been in court on numerous occasions previously for committing dwelling burglaries, and that he was on licence at the time of the offences. 

Mr Recorder Mawhinney stated that all three burglaries had a medium level of culpability with a small level of planning involved.

He said that Brown had carried out one of the burglaries while the victim was asleep on the sofa, and said: "I can't imagine the utter terror they would have suffered had they woke."

Mr Mawhinney added: "You have caused all three victims high levels of psychological and emotional harm."

Brown was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the burglary on 6 November, and he was sentenced to 15 months for both of the two other counts of burglary, all to run consecutively. His total sentence is five years.

PC Tim Burch from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Support Team said: "Brown is a career criminal and a prolific burglar.

"He has shown a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others, repeatedly targeting homes and leaving a trail of disruption, misery, and fear behind him.

"A five-year sentence reflects the gravity of his offending and sends a clear message that persistent burglary will not be tolerated. I hope this brings a measure of justice and reassurance to the victims and wider community.

"I would like to thank the victims for showing courage in attending the sentencing and providing invaluable victim impact statements."