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Serial burglar who 'utterly violated' woman's sense of safety gets four years
Summary
A serial burglar who broke into a woman's apartment and took her belongings at knife point has been jailed for four years. Robert Hedderman, 41, forced a window into the apartment and threatened the victim with a knife, taking her work bag and other items. He was identified via CCTV and arrested, though no evidence was recovered during his interview. Hedderman has 65 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary and eight for possession of knives. His defence highlighted his heroin addiction and cooperation in custody, including methadone use. The court heard that the victim felt her sense of safety was 'utterly violated.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the impact of his addiction on his criminal history but emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. She imposed a four-year and six-month sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions, and directed him to be under probation supervision for 12 months. Robert Hedderman pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial burglar who 'utterly violated' woman's sense of safety gets four years. Charges or matters: burglary and production of a knife on February 17, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 17, 2024 Incident
- September 18, 2025 Other
- 2026-05-11 Publication
Why: Ms Leader submitted that her client only commits offences to fund his addiction. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary and production of a knife on February 17, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed a sentence of four years and six months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. She directed Hedderman to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months and backdated the sentence to September 18, 2025.
Places mentioned
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