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TV burglar jailed after he goes back to crime

Derek Bray. Credit: Exeter Court Service

A serial burglar who boasted on television about being a reformed character has been jailed for six years for raiding the homes of two sleeping pensioners.

Derek Bray was watched by millions of viewers on the Channel Four series Thief Catchers as he told how a special police unit had helped him turn his back on a lifetime of crime and drugs.

He moved to Exeter from Bristol to start a new life but soon drifted back into his old ways and has now been jailed for a crime spree in which he raided four homes in the space of a few weeks.

Bray, aged 37, of Blackall Road, Exeter, admitted two burglaries, two thefts, taking a car without consent, handling, and asked for three other offences to be considered.

He was jailed for six years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, at Exeter Crown Court, who was told that Bray has 35 previous convictions dating back to his teens.

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Family tribute to a 'very special couple' killed in hit and run

The families of Mr and Mrs Simons have released a short statement paying tribute to the couple:

Both of our families are completely devastated by the tragic events that took Ross and Clare from us.

A very special couple have been taken from us and we have no words to describe our loss.

We would all appreciate it if our privacy was respected at this difficult time in order for us to grieve as a family.

Tributes left to 'fantastic' couple killed in hit and run

Friends and locals have left flowers and pictures of a couple killed in a hit and run in Bristol.

Ross and Clare Simons, who had been married for around 18-months had just been given the go-ahead to start IVF treatment, they were killed after their tandem bicycle was struck by a car yesterday.

Flowers left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday
Flowers left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday Credit: Rod Minchin/PA Wire

Among the tributes was one card, which read: "Ross and Claire you were an amazing couple and fantastic people.

"You will be missed so so much by all.

"RIP gone but never forgotten. In our hearts forever.

"All our love Darren, Shelley and Joshua xxx."

Pictures left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday
Pictures left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday Credit: Rod Minchin/PA Wire

Another tribute read: "Ross and Claire.

"You will always be in our hearts. You will truly be missed and never forgotten.

"All our love, Paul and Sharon xxx."

One of the pictures left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday
One of the pictures left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday Credit: Rod Minchin/PA Wire

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Police tried to stop car before 'hit and run' incident

Avon and Somerset police have confirmed that an officers tried to stop the car just before it collided with two cyclists. A statement on their website said:

Shortly before 4pm yesterday (Sunday January 27), a police officer's attention was drawn to a Citroen Picasso travelling along Lower Hanham Road at speed.

The officer indicated to the car to stop but it made off. The officer began to follow the car but it was lost to sight almost immediately.

Very shortly afterwards the car stuck another vehicle and then collided with two cyclists on a tandem bicycle.

– Avon and Somerset police statement

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or visit their website.

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