Adam Harding receives prison sentence after Burnham-on-Sea burglaries

Adam Harding, 42 from Highbridge, was found guilty following a three day trial at Taunton Crown Court.

Offices from Operation Remedy collated evidence by obtaining witness statements, looking through CCTV and helping victims with their recovery.

“Harding has knowingly targeted lone and vulnerable women which is callous behaviour,” said Police constable James Loftus from Operation Remedy.

“Both victims were left traumatised, feeling unsafe in their own home.

“It has been a long road for them and I would like to thank them for remaining strong and supporting our work throughout this challenging time.

“Their evidence, supported by witnesses, was vital in helping to secure this conviction. I hope that in some way it will help that they can now put this behind them.”

The Burnham-on-Sea burglaries happened on Wednesday, September 11 2019.

Abingdon Street, Burnham-on-Sea. Pic: Google Maps

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “At around 7am a woman who lives in Abingdon Street heard a knock on her door, but because she has limited mobility, was unable to answer it.

“Thirty minutes later, she looked out of her door and there was a man in her garden who asked about a flat for sale before leaving.

“Later that day, the man returned and entered the property through an insecure rear door. He threatened the woman, who was in her bed, demanding to know where her money is. He searched through drawers and under the bed before leaving.

“The victim later identified Harding as the offender.”

Rosewood Avenue, Burnham-on-Sea. Pic: Google Maps

At around 5.50pm the same day, a man got into a property in Rosewood Avenue through a first floor window.

The spokesperson added: “The owner heard a bang, so went to investigate. When she opened the door of the rear bedroom she saw him and told him to get out. He left through the same window.

“As well as CCTV footage of him, a witness saw him at the property and later identified Harding as the offender.

“Both of the victims gave evidence during the trial, with the woman from Abingdon Street doing it via Microsoft Teams because of her limited mobility.”