A burglar whose record for breaking and entering dates back to 1993 has been jailed for his latest house raid.

But Russell Bastow was spared the mandatory minimum sentence of three years usually given to “third strike” burglars after a judge at Swindon Crown Court heard the 41-year-old had turned his life around.

On Friday, prosecutor Lucy Taylor told the court Bastow’s latest victim had returned to her home in Homington Avenue, Badbury Park, to find that her late father’s ashes had been knocked to the ground and an untidy search made of three bedrooms.

Drawers had been pulled out and shoe boxes and bags opened during the burglary on September 29 last year.

An engagement ring and £700 in cash were among the items stolen. The victim’s partner had earlier that day reported suspicious activity on a bank card.

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Russell Bastow's Wiltshire Police custody shot

CCTV from a house opposite captured Bastow leaving the scene. He was recognised by the victim’s mother, who knew the thief’s partner. Some of the items – although not the engagement ring – were retrieved by Bastow and returned to their owners.

The court heard Bastow had 11 convictions for burglary on his record, starting in 1993 when he turned 14. In 2012, he was jailed for five years as a third strike burglar. The list of previous convictions was labelled appalling by Judge Jason Taylor QC.

Bastow, of Millais Close, Tadpole Farm, pleaded guilty last November to domestic burglary. He appeared before the court on Friday via video link from HMP Bullingdon.

Defending, Nicholas Lee asked the judge to stop short of imposing the mandatory minimum three year prison sentence reserved for third strike burglars.

He said Bastow had stayed out of trouble since his five year sentence in 2012. He had obtained good work with an engineering company, had a partner and stable accommodation.

However, he lost his job during the first lockdown in spring 2020. “Once that structure was removed he found it difficult to extricate himself from a downward spiral that followed,” his barrister said. His difficulties had placed pressures on his relationship and finances and he turned to substance misuse. He was resolved to work with addiction charity Turning Point.

Mr Lee stressed his client had not intentionally scattered ashes in his victim’s home. He was very remorseful and had tried to retrieve the stolen items.

Sentencing Bastow to 18 months’ imprisonment, Judge Taylor said the circumstances of the case were such that it would be unjust to impose the mandatory minimum. He noted Bastow had obtained good employment and as for many across the country “there were unexpected and severed consequences of the pandemic”.

The judge said: “I very much hope you continue to be motivated while in prison and I have no doubt, Mr Bastow, that even though you reverted to type and went back to something that was relatively easy and familiar to you, you can turn your life around and I sincerely hope you manage to do that.”