Man Jailed After DNA on Babysham Bottle Links Him to Retirement Flat Burglary

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 20th March 2025, at 17:45hrs

A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison after detectives found his DNA on a bottle of Babysham at the scene of a burglary at a retirement flat in Formby.

David Keating, formerly of Breckfield Road North in Anfield, pleaded guilty to Burglary with Intent at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard that on the afternoon of Friday, June 14th of last year, Keating broke into the Freshfield Road flat of an elderly woman while she was not at home.

He stole jewellery of sentimental value, bottles of perfume, a blood pressure machine, electronic devices, and money.

During the burglary, Keating also helped himself to food and alcohol, including Babysham and brandy.

A forensic examination revealed his DNA on the Babysham bottle, linking him to the crime.

In a related incident, Mark Hollinshead, 61, of Maple Close in Seaforth, admitted to Handling Stolen Goods and Criminal Damage at Liverpool Magistrates Court last month.

This stemmed from an incident in June where a man snapped a gold snake bracelet, stolen in the burglary, in two and sold the head and tail to a pawn brokers in Bootle.

Hollinshead received a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and was levied with compensation and court costs totaling £380.

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke, who leads the Burglary Team (Operation Castle), commented, “Keating callously targeted the flat knowing the victim was elderly and stole jewellery of significant sentimental value along with her grandfather’s war medals.

Following enquiries we were able to find three old rings and a part of the broken bracelet, and they were returned to the owner.”

Detective Inspector O’Rourke emphasized the impact of burglary on victims, stating,

“Being a victim of burglary can have a massive impact on the families affected as they have had their home invaded which is an awful experience to go through.”

Merseyside Police are urging the public to report any suspicious behaviour.

They are also encouraging individuals with CCTV, smart doorbell, or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in their area to upload it online for the Operation Castle team at:

https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle.

For advice and protection against burglary, please visit https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/.

Anyone with concerns can contact the police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.