Ex-rugby star turned to burglary

**Mickey** · 29th August 2007

Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/6966763.stm

Ex-rugby star turned to burglary

Dale Burn was also ordered to pay �5,188 in compensation

A former Wales A rugby star, who turned to burglary after a car crash forced him to quit playing, must carry out 180 hours of community work.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Dale Burn, 30, of Cwmbran, admitted breaking into an off-licence and a supermarket.
The judge said he did not know why the ex-Newport and Scarlets scrum-half stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes in Blaenavon and Worcester.
His barrister said Burn felt shame and "very genuine" remorse.
The break-ins took place at a Spar supermarket in Blaenavon and an off licence in Worcester.
When playing for Welsh champions Llanelli, Burn, a qualified engineer, was earning at least �30,000 a year plus appearance money.
But the court heard he sustained serious leg and back injuries in a car accident and began suffering from depression.
His lawyer Jeremy Jenkins said although he received more than �100,000 compensation he turned to crime instead.
"It was uncharacteristic of him - this is a fall from grace from which he has learned a savage lesson," he added.

Today you are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons

Judge Patrick Harrington

"Perhaps for him the shame of such a fall from grace is the ultimate punishment. His remorse is very genuine and very deep."
Character references described Burn as a "polite and loyal" man of great ability, who was now making a name for himself as a youth coach.
David Watkins, president of Newport rugby club, wrote: "His service to the club was exemplary and he always served the club to the best of his ability."
Burn had previously admitted breaking into a Spar supermarket in Blaenavon and an off licence in Worcester escaping with cigarettes worth �4,637 in total.
Judge Patrick Harrington told him: "For a long time you were in the spotlight for all the right reasons.
"Today you are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. "I don't know what the reason for these crimes is. I think it is probably that you lost your way." As well as being sentenced to 180 hours community work he was ordered to pay �5,188.49 compensation.