07/07/2026
COURT: Fingerprint left at scene of crime snares Doncaster burglar ๐จ
Pawel Starobrzynski has been jailed after targeting Askern's Scout Hut in Doncaster Road.
Read more below. ๐
BURGLARY: Man who raided Askern Scout Hut is jailed ๐จ
A man who damaged a Doncaster community's scout hut by breaking into it and stealing multiple items of expensive equipment has been jailed.
Pawel Starobrzynski raided Askern's Scout Hut in Doncaster Road in 2024, stealing a number of valuable items, including a laptop, a pizza oven, tents, gas burners and even a flat-pack kitchen which was waiting to be installed.
After Starobrzynski was identified as a potential suspect, a search of his home led to the recovery of many of the stolen items.
Forensic analysis of the scout hut also helped secure a conviction with Starobrzynski's fingerprint found on an electricity box in the hut.
After pleading guilty to burglary and failing to surrender to police bail, Starobrzynski, 41, of Rainton Road, was jailed for one year and 10 months during a sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 25 June.
๐ PC Katie Graham, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: "This has been a lengthy investigation and I am pleased it has now resulted in a custodial sentence for Starobrzynski.
"He gave absolutely no thought to the impact of his offending, with the scout hut a vital community asset in Askern that is loved and used by many.
"He stole thousands of pounds worth of valuable items and caused significant damage to the building.
"We know the upset this caused in the local community and that the hut was only able to reopen due to the kindness of residents who gave their time and contributed towards getting it back up and running.
"We were determined to deliver justice for the people of Askern and this result reflects the dedication and hard work of all officers involved, and I hope it reinforces the commitment our neighbourhood policing teams have to protecting the communities they serve."