**Woman Terrorised by Night-time Burglar as She Hides under Bed Covers**
A Cardiff woman endured a night of terror when a career burglar broke into her home while she cowered under her bed covers, fearing for her life. The incident unfolded in the early hours of 17 February 2025 in Waungron Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, when Gareth Neale, a 47-year-old homeless man, forcefully entered the property, seemingly without concern for the trauma he was inflicting.
The woman, left at home with her vulnerable elderly father-in-law while her husband was away, found her worst nightmare coming true shortly before 4am. She was startled awake by the sound of loud banging from downstairs—an ordeal that made her question whether the house was being targeted deliberately or falling victim to a random act of violence.
In a statement given to Cardiff Crown Court, she recounted the overwhelming fear she experienced. Unsure of the intentions of the intruder, she acted quickly, hiding herself beneath her bed covers and remaining as still and silent as possible. Although panicked, she managed to dial the police, hoping help would arrive before the situation escalated further.
South Wales Police responded to her emergency call with impressive speed, reaching the scene within minutes. By the time officers arrived, Neale was in the midst of rummaging through her belongings—seemingly unconcerned about being quiet or considerate. Police questioned him about his actions and, displaying a striking lack of remorse, Neale reportedly told them he “just wanted some food and a few bits.”
Upon searching the man, officers discovered a jewellery box, earphones, a cash purse, and even a box of tweezers—all taken from the victim’s home. Additionally, Neale was found carrying tools typically used in burglaries, further reinforcing suspicions that he had targeted the property deliberately.
The emotional toll of the ordeal was laid bare in the victim’s court statement. She admitted to experiencing recurring panic attacks and being haunted by the incident on a daily basis. “This will take me a long time to recover from,” she stated. Despite her trauma, she praised the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by the attending officers, crediting them with providing vital support during what she described as the scariest moment of her life.
Further scrutiny of Neale’s criminal record revealed a shocking history of offending. He had been released on licence from prison in June 2024, yet at the time of the burglary, he was already well known to authorities for similar crimes across the region. His record comprised 57 previous convictions, totalling 132 offences—76 of which related to theft or dishonesty, and a further 17 to drug offences.
Neale’s barrister, Harry Baker, argued that his client’s decision to delay a guilty plea was tied to his efforts to access a specialised drug rehabilitation wing in prison; however, this plan ultimately failed. Baker told the court that Neale had “been addicted to various substances all of his life” and had shown a desire to change, but that his ongoing behavioural decline meant he was not deemed suitable for such programmes.
The judge, David Payne, lamented Neale’s lengthy criminal history, remarking, “Bluntly, you have the record of a man who steals to feed an addiction.” After considering all circumstances, Judge Payne imposed a sentence of 30 months in custody, of which Neale will serve 40% before being released on licence. To further protect the victims, the court issued a restraining order preventing Neale from having any contact with them for five years.
This distressing case highlights not only the personal impact of burglary on victims but also the persistent challenge of addressing reoffending among individuals with complex histories of substance abuse and theft. The swift action by South Wales Police and the support provided to the victim serve as a reminder of the vital role law enforcement plays in offering reassurance following traumatic crimes.