A HEARTLESS intruder who stole presents from under a Christmas tree has been jailed.

Rodney Taylor, 38, of Norton Road, Wembley, broke into the house in Regal Way, Harrow, by forcing the rear door open on December 20 last year.

Once inside he took presents from the under the tree as well as jewellery from the bedrooms.

But later on that day Taylor was stopped by officers getting into a cab by Brent police officers who wanted to question him about another matter.
During the stop the officers searched his bag and found the stolen items.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at Harrow Crown Court on February 23 and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

Detective Constable James Phipps, from Brent Police Priority Crime Unit, said: “We are pleased that Rodney Taylor has received a sentence proportionate with his offence.

"Burglary is a despicable crime and this sentence sends out a clear message. Those contemplating committing these sorts of offences on our borough must expect that the full weight of the law will be brought against them through the judicial system."