Kings Langley burglar jailed after trying to flee country

Leonardo Velasquez-Valencia, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after admitting to breaking into a home in Toms Lane, Kings Langley, overnight between March 5 and March 6.

The 37-year-old also pleaded guilty to nine other burglaries across six counties, Kent, Essex, London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire between February 1 and March 29.

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Herts Police said that he had tried to avoid punishment by flying to Canada on May 25, but was refused entry for having $6,700 in Canadian and US dollars and not being able to give a valid reason for it.

He was arrested and remanded upon returning to the UK.

Leonardo Velasquez-Valencia. (Image: Herts Police) Detective Sergeant Darren Machin said: “Collaborative work between several other forces resulted in a prolific burglar being apprehended and brought to justice.

“Excellent work revealed Velasquez-Valencia was responsible for 10 burglaries across the country which he pleaded guilty to and has now been jailed.”

He was sentenced on Thursday, October 31.