A HONITON detective, who tracked Moses Keeling down, says the tough sentence could act as a deterrent to other burglars.

A HONITON detective, who tracked Moses Keeling down, says the tough sentence could act as a deterrent to other burglars.

DC Steve Harrison, of Honiton CID, who had been investigating the case since January, said: "From the public's point of view, it can be refreshing that a substantial sentence has been handed out for a serious offence.

"There had been a lot of public concern at the time of the burglaries. Hopefully, the public will be put more at ease knowing that a serial burglar has been put away and justice has been seen to be done.

"I think a strong sentence like this is going to send out a message to the criminal fraternity. People will get to know about such a lengthy sentence."

There had been a series of burglaries over a three month period and arrests were made in March.

A co-accused has pleaded guilty and is to be sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.