BBC Bargain Hunt star calls for ‘harsher’ punishment for criminals after ‘despicable’ hammer raid on auction house
BBC Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson has called for tougher sentences for burglars after more than £21,000 worth of valuables were stolen from his auction house.
Shane O’Malley, 47, and an unidentified accomplice broke into Hanson’s Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, in April last year.
The pair smashed glass cabinets and displays during the raid, which took place in the early hours of the morning.
O’Malley was sentenced to 30 months in prison at Derby Crown Court on March 3 after admitting to the burglary.
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Hanson, who is known for appearances on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, expressed his dismay following the incident.
“It’s despicable and sad that my Etwall saleroom has been broken into but, thankfully, limited mess and disturbance has occurred,” he said at the time.
The 46-year-old auctioneer, who was last month cleared at Derby Crown Court of coercive control and assault allegations relating to his wife Rebecca Hanson, welcomed “justice being done” but believes criminals should face stricter penalties.
“I would say that while justice has been done, I would like to see harsher sentences imposed for crimes of this nature,” Hanson said after O’Malley’s sentencing.
“The emotional and financial impact of burglaries on homes and businesses is significant,” he despaired about the devastating fallout of such crimes.
Hanson also expressed gratitude to the police for their work on the case.
“Thankfully, limited mess and disturbance has occurred. This was due to our security system and the police who were quickly on the scene… I am pleased the police were able to bring this person to justice,” he said.
The burglary occurred just hours before Hanson’s Auctioneers was due to begin a four-day auction of silver, jewellery and watches.
CCTV footage captured the moment O’Malley and his accomplice carried out the ram-raid at 2.10am on April 18 last year.
The thieves were seen using hammers to smash glass display cases and cabinets as they hunted for treasures.
One of the criminals can be seen destroying the glass of two displays before his partner runs in carrying what appears to be a large bag.
A hammer and two blood spatters were discovered at the scene, which would later prove crucial in identifying O’Malley as one of the burglars.
PC Benjamin Harvey of Derbyshire Police said: “O’Malley was traced after leaving his blood at the scene and has now paid the price for his involvement in this crime with a spell behind bars.”
He emphasised the severity of the crime, stating: “This was clearly a targeted and pre-planned attack which led to over £21,000 worth of items being stolen.”
The officer noted the additional financial burden placed on the business.
“In addition to this, damage was caused to the premises and the cabinets inside – leaving the business even more out of pocket,” he added.