Jailed: Burglar Anthony Young ‘terrorised’ family at knifepoint in their own home in Dibden Purlieu

A BURGLAR who “terrorised” a family at knifepoint was later caught on doorbell video predicting he’d be jailed for the offence.

Anthony Young stole hundreds of pounds in cash, as well as jewellery and alcohol when he targeted the property on North Road in his home village of Dibden Purlieu in the early hours.

Having previously pleaded guilty to committing the aggravated burglary, the 31-year-old, of Forest Hill Way, was sent down for seven years and three months.

Southampton Crown Court heard Young forced his way the address while its occupants were sleeping shortly before 4am on 17th June 2023.

The family was awoken by the intrusion and, brandishing a large knife, he threatened to hurt them if they didn’t hand over money, jewellery and other valuables.

After a “significant amount of time”, he left the property with £800 in cash, as well as alcohol he packed into a child’s rucksack.

Police managed to identify Young from fingerprints on four bottles which were taken but later recovered.

CCTV footage from the targeted home was also matched to clothing and shoes he was wearing during the burglary.

As well as this, nearby doorbell camera captured Young saying words to the effect of: “I’ve done something bad, I’m going to jail.”

He was arrested in Fawley just over a week later, and a search of his home uncovered shoes matching those worn by the offender, along with cash believed to be some of that stolen during the break-in.

Welcoming the sentenced handed down yesterday (Thursday), trainee DC Rich Burbidge said: “I believe the years that he will now spend locked away reflect the gravity of his crime that night.

“The incident itself may have only lasted for a matter of minutes, but for the victims in this case, the long-term effects of his actions will sadly last much longer.

“On that morning, he terrorised people in their own home, a place where everyone should be able to feel at their safest.”

He added: “Thankfully, justice has been served today and I truly hope this allows the family concerned to move on with their lives, safe in the knowledge that Young is behind bars, where he belongs and where he can no longer harm any other innocent people or the wider Waterside community.”