Bedford woman jailed for burglary - after victim put her in an arm lock as she tried to escape

A burglar has been sentenced to over three years imprisonment after targeting an address in Bedford.

Sharyn Farrell, 48, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary, and possession of a bladed article at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (June 10) and was subsequently sentenced to three years and four months in prison for this and other offences.

Farrell targeted an address on York Street in Bedford on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 8.45pm, but was disturbed by the occupant of the property.

The victim then chased Farrell who made off empty handed, but the victim managed to detain her until the police arrived. Police officers carried out a search in the area and located gloves, hat and a knife which was discarded by the offender.

Farrell was jailed for 16 months for one count of burglary and four months for possession of a knife to run concurrently. At the time of her arrest she was also on bail for two prison smuggling offences and serving a suspended sentence which resulted in a further 24 months added to her sentence.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, from the Bedfordshire Police’s dedicated burglary team - Operation Maze - said: “The victim managed to detain the burglar and managed to get her in an arm lock, as she was trying to evade arrest.

“I really hope that this sentence will give Farrell an opportunity to reflect on her actions and get the support needed to help her turn her life around. We will continue to work hard to bring offenders, who target people’s addresses to justice.”