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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Conor Gogarty

Axe-wielding burglar leaves trail of destruction and DNA

A man wielding an axe ransacked a married couple's home and caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage. Scott Cook broke into a Talbot Green home in January 2022 shortly after the owners, a couple in their 60s, had gone out for the evening.

The 44-year-old, of no fixed address, used an axe to smash through the door and once inside he left a trail of destruction. A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "He ransacked every room, breaking cabinets and drawers along the way. He stole cash, valuables and sentimental items from the couple’s 48-year marriage.

"Cook’s DNA was found on the axe he left at the scene and on a jewellery box in the home. He was arrested, charged and remanded into custody."

He admitted one count of burglary and appeared on January 23 at Merthyr Crown Court, receiving a jail term of 18 months. Detective Constable Harri Andrews, who led the case, said Cook had "caused a huge amount of damage and destruction".

"His actions caused great stress and anxiety to his victims, who have been significantly impacted by his crimes" the officer added. "We will continue to work hard to put prolific thieves before the court and I hope another burglar behind bars reassures residents across the force area.”

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