Bleeding burglar filmed own face on CCTV while targeting children's nursery

A 43-year-old burglar managed to incriminate himself for his offences after offering a CCTV camera a full screen, colour, close-up shot of his face.

Shawn Tulley broke into multiple properties between June and July, including a children's nursery, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

He stole two iPads, a laptop and two bottles of alcohol, after breaking in, or attempting to break in, to five restaurants, a children’s nursery on two occasions, a community centre and a play centre.

At a children's nursery he tries to hang a bag for life over a camera, but in doing so, presents the camera with a full screen shot of his face.

He is also caught on camera entering by climbing through a window and rolling down the corridor, one of the first occasions when a camera captures a shot of his face.

He make a vague attempt to cover his face with his hood, but then walks straight past the camera.

In more footage, as he makes an exit from one location he targeted through a fire escape, he enjoys a quick slide down a piece of soft play equipment.

Tulley was caught after members of the public reported suspicious behaviour to Leicestershire Police, after he had broken into a restaurant in St Martin’s Square in Leicester.

At a hearing in July, he pleaded guilty to the offences and on Thursday, at Leicester Crown Court, Tulley was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Sergeant Sian Harris-Ley, from Leicestershire Police, said: “Extensive evidence was gathered following these reports which identified Tulley as the perpetrator.

“The CCTV evidence we gathered clearly showed Tulley committing the offences so he had no choice but to plead guilty.

“He was subsequently caught in the act after a tip-off from some members of the public who saw him acting suspiciously in the city.

“Within one week he targeted the same premises twice, on the first occasion he caused more than £1,000 worth of damage but didn’t gain entry.

"During the second incident he did manage to break in and stole iPads and laptops, while in the premises food and drink items were emptied onto the kitchen floor, a carpet was ripped up and internal windows were damaged to gain access to the office area."

She adds: “Tulley has absolutely no regard for the devastation he leaves and the impact his actions have on these essential community services.

“He is a persistent offender who has shown no remorse for his actions.

"Burglary is an inherently serious offences involving trespass and invasion of property rights, the offences caused substantial losses and damage to multiple premises, including repair costs running into thousands.

“I am pleased Tulley has pleaded guilty to the offences, we hope the sentence gives him a chance to reflect on his behaviour and mend his ways.”

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