A career criminal who checked himself out of a hospital against medical advice to resume a burglary spree has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.
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George Dunn, 42, from Maidstone, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, Dec. 23, where he pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary and multiple traffic offences. The court also took a further eight burglaries into consideration during sentencing.
The conviction follows a summer crime wave between June and July 2025. Investigators linked Dunn to five break-ins across Tonbridge, Cranbrook, Paddock Wood, and Ashford after he left a trail of forensic evidence at the scenes.
Police recovered DNA from a glove Dunn left behind at one property, while blood traces were discovered at others. In total, Dunn stole more than £3,000 worth of property, including:
- High-value watches and jewellery
- Designer handbags and cash
- Irreplaceable war medals
The investigation took a dramatic turn on July 20, 2025, when Dunn—who was already disqualified from driving—crashed his vehicle into a wall and fence on Bayhall Road, Tunbridge Wells. Emergency responders described Dunn’s condition as life-threatening, yet he still attempted to flee the wreckage as officers arrived. Fire crews eventually extricated him from the vehicle, and he was airlifted to a London hospital.
On Sept. 1, while still unfit for police interview and against medical recommendations, Dunn discharged himself from the facility. Within weeks, he returned to crime, targeting a sixth home in Biddenden. He was caught after a neighbour witnessed him falling out of a window during the break-in.
Officers were able to track him down and Dunn was arrested on 15 October and charged with six counts of burglary and multiple traffic offences. He pleaded guilty to all the offences at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 23 December. A further eight burglaries were also taken into consideration.
Detective Inspector Lisa Featherstone said:
‘Dunn is a prolific offender who was determined to continue committing these invasive crimes. Not even a life changing injury deterred him, and he discharged himself from hospital to not only try and evade the consequences of his actions but to continue offending. This was a lengthy investigation and officers worked hard to link Dunn to multiple burglaries and driving offences across the county. I’d like to thank the victims for their continued support throughout and hope they find some comfort in knowing Dunn has been locked up for these crimes.’