Beeston student block burglar jailed for four years after targeting residents

BEESTON, NOTTINGHAM — A serial burglar who repeatedly targeted a student accommodation block in Beeston has been sentenced to four years in prison. Christos Iona, 27, carried out a series of break-ins at Graduation House on High Road, Beeston, leaving residents terrified and distressed.

Court hearings revealed that Iona broke into the student building on multiple occasions, specifically on November 30, December 1, December 4, and December 6, 2025. During these incidents, he forced entry and stole various belongings, including food and an arcade game. Shortly after the thefts, Iona listed the stolen arcade machine for sale on an online marketplace.

Terrified Victim Confronts Intruder Through Spyhole

During one of the nighttime burglaries, a female student was woken up by suspicious noises outside her flat. When she looked through her door's spyhole, she observed Iona and an accomplice carrying away a television and stolen groceries. The presiding judge emphasized the fear the victim must have experienced, noting she was left "frightened and very concerned" by the presence of intruders in her living space.

Spree of Shop Thefts While on Bail

In addition to the burglary charges, Iona pleaded guilty to 12 thefts and one count of handling stolen goods. The court heard that he targeted several retail stores across Nottingham, including JD Sports, Sainsbury's, and the Co-op. Many of these shoplifting offences were committed while he was on bail for the student block burglaries. The total value of goods stolen from the burglaries exceeded £2,500, while the shop thefts amounted to over £1,000.

During sentencing, it was disclosed that Iona suffered from a severe cocaine addiction and had a history of previous convictions. He was sentenced to a total of four years in custody at Nottingham Crown Court.