Samual Russell sentenced for long list of break ins across Newcastle over two week period

A crime spree across Newcastle has come to an end after one delicious piece of vital evidence was uncovered when it was dropped from a burglar’s pocket.

Samual Russell was given an ICO for several break and enters in Newcastle District Court on Tuesday.

A half eaten cheeseburger was one of the contributing factors in police tracking down a troublesome thief who went on a drug-fuelled crime spree across Newcastle.

Over a two-week period Samual Russell, 26, broke into numerous businesses and residences in February and March last year in the hunt for property and cash, for what the court heard was in aid of an amphetamine addiction.

On February 10, he stole about $2000 from the Mayfield Corner Cafe before he targeted Roy’s at 45, a restaurant in Mayfield the next day and also pocketed $800.

But the court heard it didn’t go so smoothly when his strategy to crawl through the roof forced a partial collapse when the ceiling caved in.

It was on February 15 that Russell would make an error that would eventually lead to his arrest when the court heard he ransacked Meantime restaurant in Hamilton but dropped a half-eaten cheeseburger from his pocket.

A half eaten cheeseburger which fell from Russell’s pocket has been used to catch him after DNA was found. Photo: Supplied

The unfinished snack would then later be scooped up by police investigating the break-in and discover his DNA plastered all over it.

The court heard that same day he hit the Lindsey Gardens aged care facility in Hamilton about 2:30am and used a hammer to smash the fly screen and gain entry.

Unfortunately for Russell, he was caught by staff who challenged his excuse of visiting his mother and escorted him from the premises.

In the next week, he then hit several unit complexes and car parks in Newcastle and stole a motorised bike and a ‘Giant’ brand push bike, but again he left behind clues of his fingerprints.

His last target was the Bar Beach Kiosk on March 4 when the court heard he was captured on CCTV at 3am breaking in and stealing $600 from the till and tip jar.

Russell was arrested four days later when police were conducting proactive patrols in Mayfield before he was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged.

The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated break and enter with intent knowing person was there, four charges of break and enter house (steal), two counts of larceny and two counts of break and enter dwelling house with intent to steal.

In Newcastle District Court on Tuesday, Judge Ian Bourke said none of the offences were “sophisticated” or had much planning involved.

Russell was sentenced to two years and 10 months jail which is to be served by way of intensive correction order (ICO) within the community.