A Brantford man, who pleaded guilty to breaking into homes while residents were inside, got a six-year prison sentence and a stern message from an Ontario Court judge.
George J. Horton pleaded guilty to three break-ins, two counts of stealing wallets from unlocked cars, defrauding one victim by using her credit card and assaulting an ex-partner.
Justice Robert Gee said that Horton must understand that “when he breaks into people’s homes and they’re there, it doesn’t get any less than penitentiary time.”
In 2014, Gee sentenced Horton to three years in prison for a break-in.
In September 2019, Horton was arrested after he broke into a West Street apartment unit.
After slipping past a woman asleep on a sofa in the living room, Horton went into a bedroom where he stole valuables and almost $900 from a purse. He put the items in his pockets but then fell asleep on a bed.
At 5:30 am, the woman called police to say a man was passed out in her bedroom. After officers arrived, the stolen property was returned to the owner.
In February 2021, unhappy with that a relationship had ended, Horton went to the Sheridan Street home of his former partner and repeatedly punched her in the face. The woman ran from the house but was followed by Horton, who punched her face several times.
A man at the home who tried to stop Horton also was punched. Horton left after the man recovered and picked up a crowbar.
In July 2021, Horton broke into a Bishop Street home and, while in an upstairs bedroom, was confronted by a resident. He ran off with about $100 worth of jewelry but left behind a vanilla milkshake from which police obtained his DNA.
In November 2021, Horton entered a William Street home through an unlocked patio door. Video footage showed him leaving with an expensive trail bike and a $500 special edition Guns N’ Roses guitar. The victim soon located the bike and guitar on Dalhousie street. Both were damaged and covered in blood.
“Video surveillance showed the accused was also covered in blood,” said assistant Crown attorney Derek Zuraw.
The judge sentenced Horton to six years for each of the three break-ins to be served concurrently. He got concurrent shorter sentences for his other offences.
“He needs to know he’s going to get a long time in the penitentiary.”
@EXPSGamble