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Stuart Olson jailed at Canterbury Crown Court after raid at Skin Lumina in Ashford

Two arrogant burglars celebrated after smashing their way into a town centre beauty parlour and finding £800 in the till.

But the duo hadn't realised the raid at Skin Lumina in Station Road, Ashford, was all captured on CCTV - including their celebrations.

And when police viewed the footage they identified one of the burglars as Stuart Olson – a 36-year-old thief with a string of previous convictions.

Skin Lumina in Ashford was broken into
Skin Lumina in Ashford was broken into

Now Olson, of Elm Close, Egerton, is to receive is a two-year stretch in prison after he admitted to being one of the men caught on CCTV at the beauty salon on August 1 this year.

Prosecutor James Lofthouse told Canterbury Crown Court last Thursday: “Everything that happened was captured on camera. They had forced their way into the beauty salon.

“Damage was caused on entry and there was then a messy search and various items were taken.

Stuart Olson was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court. Picture: Kent Police
Stuart Olson was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court. Picture: Kent Police

"They then forced their way into the till and they celebrated with one another after they took £800 from the till.”

He said £5,600 worth of goods were stolen and £2,850 worth of damage was caused by the two men.

One of the machines stolen cost £2,000 and had been specially shipped in from America.

The thieves entered at 4pm and spent two hours undisturbed on the premises.

Mr Lofthouse added that 10 days after the break-in, Olson, who has 43 previous convictions including 15 burglaries, was arrested.

In 2015, he was given a four-year jail term for burglary and committed the latest break-in while on prison licence.

After being arrested, he was returned to prison.

'My wife had worked hard running this salon and it was awful that this happened and we are still dealing with repairs...' - Paul Mallison

Kieron Brand, defending, said Olson - whose accomplice was not arrested - had drink and crack cocaine problems.

In jailing him for two years, judge Heather Norton said: “You have a very poor criminal record and you know that.

“You caused a great deal of damage during this burglary and you took a great deal of items.

“You know I am going to pass a custodial sentence on you...and you know I am going to do that.

“I am told you have the will and the wish to get off drugs. I hope you will take advantage of the help which is out there for you.”

The hearing was watched by Paul Mallison, husband of owner Glaci, who opened the salon in 2011.

He said later: “My wife had worked hard running this salon and it was awful that this happened and we are still dealing with repairs."

Mrs Mallison added: "My husband and I received a call from police and I felt sick and very upset when I found out what happened.

"It was so horrible I couldn't think straight for a few days.

"I found it a heartbreaking experience but with the help of my wonderful husband I have recovered from this episode that truly upset me a lot."

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