Notorious burglar Vincent 'Pyjama Boy' Smith, 37, whose prolific crimes have plagued society for nearly three decades, has told a judge that his mum get him involved in crime from infancy.

Smith, who started offending as a small boy and now has 183 offences on his record, blamed his upbringing and his mental health for the life of crime he has led so far.

“I have been thieving since I was a baby. My mum put me on a (supermarket) trolley and got me to change the price tags.

“I have been in and out of this life for nearly thirty years. First become aware to social services at age of six.”

Smith got his nickname, Pyjama Boy, when he appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates in his nightwear after fleeing from a children's home in North Wales where he had been sent to try to halt his juvenile crime wave.

“I was brought up to be a criminal, simple as that,” he said. “In a burglary of a shopping centre, I was lowered down through the roof by adults”

Smith, already serving a four and a half year sentence for earlier crimes, received a three and a half year term from Judge Lawrie after he admitted two house burglaries in Gloucestershire and asked for three others to be considered.

He told the judge that he is determined to turn his back on crime and lead an honest life when he is released.

“I don't like burglaries - it is the wrong thing to do," he told the judge.

“I read a lot. As much as I can. I am coming out to a legitimate life. I know I am."

 

At court last week Smith admitted raiding the home of Wendy and Andrew Kemmett on Crifty Craft Lane, Churchdown, nr Gloucester, on February 1, where he stole jewellery, two passports, ski passes, a pillow case and the keys to the couple's Mini.

He also pleaded guilty to burgling Anchor Cottage, in Coln St Dennis, nr Fairford, Glos, the following day and stealing silverware, jewellery, a Cartier pen, passports and an iPad belonging Teresa and Neil Irving.

Prosecutor Rupert Russell said that in both houses and in the other three raids to be taken in to consideration, 'every room was ransacked'.

Mr Russell said the burglars entered the Kemmett's home using a stone hedgehog ornament to smash open a patio door.

It was their young daughter who discovered their home had been raided, and this was what most distressed Mrs Kemmett, the prosecutor said.

Their Mini was taken and was then seen the following day near the scene of the burglary in Coln St Dennis.

Due to the sightings of the 'distinctive' Mini, police were able to track it through CCTV and then further able to identify Smith who 'they were very familiar with', Mr Russell told the judge.

The car was found on Middleton Lawn, Innsworth, near to an address where Smith was known to reside, the barrister said.

 

It contained items from all five burglaries, and when Smith was arrested further items were found at the rear of the address where he was staying 'in carrier bags under a tarpaulin'.

Mr Russell said Smith admitted all five of the raids that the judge had to sentence him for.

“I got arrested for 44 burglaries,” Smith said from the dock. “I admitted for the ones I done. They arrested me for every one that happened in Gloucestershire that month.”

Mr Russell said: “He has an extremely extensive history. He is in essence a career burglar and car thief. His first conviction came when he was ten."

Smith, representing himself, told Judge Lawrie his earliest expected release date from previous offences for which he is serving jail time is June 2020.

“I had a real bad life,” he said. “At eight I saw my stepfather stab my mother with a steak knife.”

He told the judge that despite efforts to go 'straight' the police target him.

“Me and Gloucestershire constabulary definitely do not get on. They will always be after me,” he said. “I have had points when I have changed. I stayed out of trouble for two years.”

He said he had recently obtained 'enhanced prisoner status' and would be moving to a category C prison.

He told the judge he did not smoke.

“Not even them electric pens,” he said. “It is just the gym for me."

Passing sentence Judge Lawrie said: “Ultimately it is your track record which means the court has no option but to impose custody.

“The court in the past has tried to assist you and failed.

“In many ways, sorting yourself out comes down to you and nobody else.

“I have heard evidence under oath from you and that has been of great assistance.

“You have the prospect of spending longer and longer in custody,” the judge concluded.