Burglar jailed after GPS tag puts him at scene

My GPS tag is “telling lies” – that was the excuse Mason Curley gave to officers when he was arrested for burglary in Murton on September 25.

The 31-year-old prolific offender had broken into an elderly man’s home at 2am and stole his wallet.

When the victim – in his 80s – saw a dark figure standing over his bed, he sharply told him to get out and called 999.

Curley was swiftly arrested when he was linked to the address through his GPS tag which he had to wear as part of conditions after he was released from prison just weeks earlier.

But when this evidence was put to him in interview, the bungling burglar denied he had broken his curfew and insisted the tag must be “dodgy.”

Officers begged to differ and secured a charge of burglary, remanding Curley, of Murton, into custody.

He appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on September 30 and was meant to go to trial but later changed his plea to guilty.

He was sentenced to 32 months in prison at Durham Crown Court today.

Neighbourhood Inspector Joanne Eales said: “Curley is a prolific offender who often targets the most vulnerable in our community and it won’t be tolerated.

“I am pleased he has been sentenced to time in prison. However, for crimes on such vulnerable people, the sentence can never be long enough.

“Our team worked tirelessly to bring Curley to justice and I hope it brings some reassurance to his victim and the community now he is off the streets.”