A burglar, identified as George Dunn, 42, absconded from a hospital following a severe injury sustained in a significant car crash. Dunn had stolen items, including war medals, watches, and handbags, valued at over £3,000 from five properties during the period between June and July. Law enforcement authorities discovered DNA and surveillance footage in various locations in Kent, prompting a search for Dunn to stop his string of burglaries.
During the police inquiry, Dunn suffered serious injuries after crashing his vehicle into a wall and fence in Tunbridge Wells on July 20. Dunn, who had left traces of his blood at the burglary scenes, was driving while disqualified and uninsured at the time. Despite being in critical condition, Dunn tried to escape the scene multiple times as police arrived to provide assistance. Firefighters eventually extracted him from his vehicle, and he was promptly transported to a hospital in London.
Before being deemed fit for police questioning, Dunn discharged himself from the hospital to avoid interaction with law enforcement. Approximately a month later, Dunn burglarized a sixth residence in Biddenden and was witnessed falling out of a window by a neighbor. Subsequently, authorities located and apprehended Dunn in Maidstone on October 15, charging him with six burglary offenses and several traffic violations. Dunn admitted guilt to all charges in Maidstone Crown Court and received his sentence on December 23.
Detective Inspector Lisa Featherstone of Kent Police remarked, “Dunn is a habitual offender who was resolute in continuing these intrusive crimes. Not even a life-altering injury deterred him; he left the hospital to evade accountability for his actions and to persist in offending.” Featherstone expressed gratitude to the victims for their unwavering support and hoped they could find solace in knowing that Dunn had been incarcerated for his crimes.
Dunn was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.