28 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR FORMER RYDE MAN WHO WENT ON BURGLARY SPREE ARMED WITH KNIFE

Island man David Dunford who stole antiques, collectibles and cash from businesses in Ryde before stealing gloves and a bike from Trucast whilst armed with a Stanley knife, has been handed a 28-month prison sentence. David Dunford, 43, of HMP Lewes but previously of Thornton Manor Drive in Ryde appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Thursday) having previously admitted 4x burglary, going equipped for burglary, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and assault by beating of an emergency worker. Prosecuting, Claire Brocklebank, told the court that after trading hours on 24th September Dunford entered the Royal Victoria Arcade on Union Street. Once inside, Dunford entered a collectibles store and took various items including teddies and figurines before making his way to another shop this time taking medals, knives, badges and silverware valued at between £1,000 – £1,500. The 43-year-old wasn’t done there though and then broke into a shop that sells equine equipment and stole a cash box with around £40 inside. In a victim personal statement read aloud in court, one trader said that she was frightened to be alone in her shop now and that she has started to close her shop an hour early so that she can avoid being inside the arcade alone. Later on, Dunford made his way to Trucast in Ryde where he caused over £3,200 worth of damage to specialist air lock and high-speed doors in attempts to enter the premises, slashing the heavy duty doors with a Stanley knife. Having gained entry, Dunford proceeded to walk around the premises taking photos and rummaging through lockers. After some 34 minutes on site, Dunford made off using a bike he had stolen from the company’s bike shed to get back to the front gate. Dunford – who has been to court a total of 35 times for some 103 offences – then damaged a Renault Kangoo van belonging to Lanes Infrastructure adorning the works vehicle with a graffiti star and smiley face. The court heard how a Lanes spokesperson was bemused at how a ‘grown man in his 40s could be so stupid and childish’. Police eventually caught up with Dunford on The Strand were they discovered the Stanley knife – along with some pliers and some gloves – in a rucksack. Some of the stolen items were also recovered with goods totalling nearly £4,000. Dunford initially resisted arrest, with officers forced to use Pava spray to detain him. Having been arrested and questioned, Dunford was then released on bail with conditions, one of which was to abide by a curfew. Just weeks after his release from custody, Police were told that Dunford was in breach of his curfew and so he was arrested at an address on Esplanade in Ryde. Upon arresting him, a large kitchen knife – of around 6-inches – was found in his possession. The 43-year-old admitted possessing the knife saying that he had it on so he could make his food with it. Dunford has been remanded in custody at HMP Isle of Wight and then HMP Lewes since mid-October 2023. Defending Dunford, Holly Fagan said that all these offences were committed when her client made the ‘foolish’ decision to come off his medication, adding that personal events involving his children also contributed heavily to the spree of offences. Ms Fagan also added that the former Class-A drug user had made real progress since he had been in prison and that he was willing to do whatever it takes to get his life back on track. Summarising, Recorder Malcolm Gibney said that despite the fact he was off his medication, Dunford was well aware of the need to take his meds and that it was his choice and his choice only to refrain from taking them in the leadup to the offending period. He also added that Dunford’s ‘binge behaviour’ was ‘inconvenient and damaging’ to a whole host of local business owners. David Dunford was handed a total of 28-months in prison. He will serve half of his sentence in prison and then the other half on licence.