A homeowner in Blyth caught a burglar using a string and bucket water trap after previous break-in attempts.
Paul Howell triggered the trap last November. He ran after the water spilled. The victim had CCTV from past crimes. He saw a masked man on camera. The man tried to break in. He also urinated outside.
The prosecutor spoke in court. Paul tried the windows, but they were locked. He went to the patio then tipped the bucket. Police identified Howell from the video.
The victim shared his feelings. He’s shocked at these events. He feels criminals target him. Four attempts happened at his house. He was shocked at the attempt. He considered confronting a burglar.
He worried about hurting a criminal. This stressed him out. He added more security measures. Loud noises now make him check CCTV. He feels burglars are targeting him. Several people went to jail for attacking his home.
He only feels contempt for them. The urination was disgusting to him. His daughter could have seen it.
Howell broke into another Blyth house later. A woman woke to a mess. Howell stole chainsaws and bikes. He took them from the shed. He also stole indoor items. Those included phones, jewellery, and laptops. He damaged the house too.
The woman traced a stolen phone. She used a “find my phone” application. Police found stolen items at Howell’s location. The woman felt shocked and unsafe.
This had never happened before. She doesn’t feel safe at home. She has lived there for over 20 years. She paid to enhance her security. She misses her mom’s jewelry.
She thinks Howell needs prison time. He does not respect people, she stated. He doesn’t care about others.
Howell, age 56, has a long record. It includes 25 burglaries since 1986. He admitted to burglary and the attempt. The court sentenced him to 43 months.
The judge discussed the homeowner’s trap. She noted past burglaries led to it. The victim created the trap. It used wire and a water bucket. Burglaries devastate people, the judge added. She mentioned Howell destroys lives.
Howell’s lawyer said he apologizes. He wants to offer apologies to those he hurt. He has spent years in prison. The lawyer mentioned drug addiction. He works on fixing it.