Photographer chased burglar away

4:13pm Monday 19th May 2008

A former paparazzi photographer proved more than a match for a burglar who broke into his Radlett home, a court has heard.

Glen Gratton was woken by 20-year-old Thomas Shaw as he attempted to rob his home in Hadley Close on January 13.

Luton Crown Court heard how Mr Gratton chased the burglar out of his home after being alerted by his wife.

But the chase did not stop there.

As Shaw made his get-away in a van, undeterred Mr Gratton jumped behind the wheel of his own car and embarked on a high-speed chase while contacting police.

David Chrimes, prosecuting, said Mr Gratton was able to put to good use his paparazzi driving skills and Shaw was unable to shake him off.

The pair drove through Radlett, London Colney and towards Hemel Hempstead before police pulled over Shaw's van at a petrol station in Hemel Hempstead and arrested him.

Shaw, of Leicester Road, Luton, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to an offence of burglary with intent.

Passing sentence, Judge Martin Griffith said people asleep in their own home at 4am were entitled to expect that no one would try to break in.

He added: "Well done to Mr Gratton for following you and making sure the police caught you. This is your first and I hope your last domestic burglary."

Shaw was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was placed on supervision for that period.

He must also attend a 'Think First' activity programme.

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