Serial Offender Lee Borda Sentenced to 16 Months Following Birthday Burglary Spree Across Plymouth Businesses

A serial offender who went on a destructive burglary spree across Plymouth on his 44th birthday—only days after being released from prison—has been sentenced to 16 months in prison. Lee Borda pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to targeting five commercial properties, including several of the city's popular late-night food outlets and independent shops.

The court heard that Borda's crime spree began in the early hours of December 23, when he broke into Goodbody's Café on the corner of Lisson Grove and Mutley Plain, smashing the front door and stealing approximately £250 from the till. Less than two hours later, Borda forced entry into Jake's Café on Regent Street, removing a safe containing between £400 and £500. CCTV footage from both premises quickly identified Borda as the intruder.

Borda's actions escalated on December 24—his birthday—when police were alerted to three further break-ins. In the early hours, officers responded to an alarm at Sloggett & Sons on Union Street, discovering signs of a search and blood spots left on the furniture. Shortly after, Borda shattered the front door of Shawarma Express on Frankfort Gate, stealing up to £200. He then targeted nearby Diva's Nail Bar, smashing a window and taking cash and a mobile phone. Police arrested Borda later that day on Cornwall Street, finding him in possession of one of the stolen phones.

With a criminal history spanning 120 previous offences, Borda interjected during sentencing, citing a lack of post-release support as a driving factor in his recidivism. Judge Matthew Turner acknowledged his struggles with addiction and the recent loss of his mother but emphasized the severity of the offences, sentencing Borda to 16 months concurrent for the break-ins.