Burglar David Price jailed for Suffolk and Essex offences

David Price, 34, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for a series of burglaries across Suffolk, Essex and London. 

In addition to those offences, Price was sentenced for one count of being in charge of a dangerous dog.

The 34-year-old was walking his friend’s Cane Corso dog when it saw the boy playing football on a green in Harlow, Essex, and ran towards him then picked him up by his thigh with his teeth.

The dog attempted to bite an officer as it was taken away by police and the boy was hospitalised and required 17 stitches. 

At Price’s hearing on Wednesday at Ipswich Crown Judge Martyn Levett ordered the dog to be destroyed and added, “dog attacks are devastating for the victims and their families”.

Judge Levett went on to sentence him for several burglaries.

Price, of Stratford Close, Dagenham, stole £13,000 of property from the Penalty 2 corner shop on Ellenbrook Road in Ipswich in January 2021.

There were 10 boxes of goods shifted by at least two people the court heard but Price was identified as he took his mask off in the stock room during the burglary.

Daniel Ruel, Price’s accomplice, was jailed for 26 months last year for the raid.

Judge Levett added: “Corner shops are rapidly becoming targeted for burglary and theft.

“They are often easy targets for people who wish to enrich themselves at other people’s expenses.”

Price was also sentenced for the burglary of the Vineyard Convenience and Phone Repair on Osbourne Street in Colchester.

The court heard he stole 1,500 vapes from the shop and £8-9,000 of items in total.

On top of this he was also sentenced for burgling a hair salon and a sushi restaurant in London, along with three counts of assault and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Judge Levett said the defendant had 23 previous convictions and added that burglary was an “entrenched” part of his character.