A man who tried to flee the country following a spate of crimes in Buckinghamshire has finally been jailed.

Michael Cawley, 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burglary over an eight-week period in 2019 at various locations across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

He targeted properties in Luton and Dunstable (Beds), Aylesbury (Bucks), and St Albans (Herts),  and officers investigating managed to identify him via CCTV at each scene.

However, the criminal left the UK for the Republic of Ireland and was a wanted person for numerous years.

He was eventually captured by British police in February this year when he was apprehended by the authorities in North Wales, after returning to the country via ferry from Dublin.  

He was jailed for one year and eight months at Luton Crown Court earlier on this month.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, from Operation Maze, who led the investigation, said: “Cawley targeted properties and stole jewellery and cash.

“He then fled to Ireland and was not apprehended until he came back recently.

“The victims can now finally have closure, knowing that he will be behind bars, and I hope that upon release, Cawley will have a crime-free future.

“Burglary causes a great deal of distress for victims, so we will continue to persist in our efforts to catch these criminals even after many years have passed.

“CCTV evidence linked Cawley to the offences, giving him no option but to plead guilty.”