A burglar who carried out a “wicked” crime in broad daylight has been locked up for 45 months.

Aaron Benjamin Barnsley, 32, of Broadstone Way, Holme Wood, Bradford, was part of a gang who burgled a home in Clough Lane, Liversedge, on February 6 this year and a property in Bradshaw View, Queensbury, the following day.

Jonathan Sharp, prosecuting, said Barnsley turned up to the first address in late afternoon wearing a disguise and the gang kicked a back door in before stealing a kindle, laptop and three valuable watches.

They fled in a Mercedes and were spotted on CCTV, but they turned up at the second home the following day in another Mercedes, and Barnsley was wearing the same clothes.

Mr Sharp told Bradford Crown Court: “He went to a property in Bradshaw View and he was caught on CCTV getting out of the car and putting on a ski mask.

“They jumped over a wall into the rear garden and the defendant was seen picking up a brick, smashing a rear glass door to the property.

“Once inside they made an untidy search of the whole house and stole £175 in cash, a gold ring, an axe and a key fob to an Audi S5 parked on the driveway.”

Barnsley attempted to steal the car, but was caught out by a metal pole which the home’s owners had put in place after they were last burgled.

This did not put him off, however, and he tried to manoeuvre around it by driving on a grass verge, but became stuck.

The noise attracted the attention of neighbours and one woman, Christine Smith, tried to stop Barnsley from fleeing by banging on the back of the car.

Mr Sharp said one of the gang was heard to shout “get the axe” and Mrs Smith backed off.

Barnsley eventually reversed the car over the pole, ripping off the bumper and causing £5,000 of damage before ditching the vehicle nearby.

Ash Khuullar, defending Barnsley, said his client’s behaviour was down to his “impulsive nature” and said he had agreed to go with others to the burglaries.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, said Barnsley had 17 pages of previous convictions and had “moved into the premier league” with his latest crime.

“You might be described as a professional and you know what you have done is wicked.”

He pleaded guilty to two burglaries and one aggravated vehicle taking.

The judge ruled that Mrs Smith should receive the High Sheriff Award and £350.