A serial offender's attempt to evade police ended in a rubbish bin, leading to a 12-month prison sentence for a chaotic Nottingham city centre burglary.
Chaotic Break-in Caught on Camera
Ashley Lawrence, 37, smashed his way through a glass door at Gray & Bull Opticians on Pelham Street at approximately 5am on Wednesday, November 5. Using his body weight to force entry, the burglar wreaked havoc inside the premises.
CCTV footage captured the entire incident, showing Lawrence making off with around 50 pairs of high-value sunglasses and spectacle frames. The total value of the stolen goods was estimated at £8,000.
The Bungled Escape Attempt
Three days after the burglary, Lawrence's freedom was short-lived. A sharp-eyed staff member spotted him lurking near the opticians and immediately recognised him as the culprit from the security footage.
The staff member alerted police, but when officers arrived at the scene, Lawrence attempted to flee. His escape plan involved jumping into a large commercial bin situated beside a church, where he crouched among the rubbish.
Body-cam footage released by Nottinghamshire Police shows the moment officers lifted the bin lid to discover Lawrence hiding inside. An officer can be heard informing him: 'You're under arrest on suspicion of burglary' while he was still inside the waste container.
Justice Served for Persistent Offender
Lawrence, of no fixed address, was already wanted on a recall to prison at the time of his arrest. He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, November 11, where he admitted to the burglary and was sentenced to 12 months behind bars.
PC Ben King of the city centre neighbourhood policing team commented: 'This was an appalling crime and I'd like to thank the staff member and the public for helping us apprehend Lawrence.'
Lawrence is described as a persistent offender known to local authorities. According to police, he has repeatedly failed to comply with court orders since 2022 and has amassed numerous convictions for theft-related offences.
These include a series of shoplifting incidents throughout 2023 and 2024, many of which resulted in custodial sentences. PC King added: 'Needless to say, we are pleased he is back behind bars and I am sure local businesses share that sentiment.'
