Burglar who ransacked former snooker World Champion Kyren Wilson's home while he was away at a tournament is jailed for four years

A burglar who ransacked the luxury home of former snooker World Champion Kyren Wilson while he played in a tournament has been sentenced to four years behind bars.

Kane Lee, 28, escaped with a £250,000 haul of high-value jewellery, luxury watches, designer handbags and cash after targeting the star's property.

A court heard he acquired tools and clothing from B&Q and Tesco and then fitted his car with cloned plates before travelling to Wilson's four-bedroomed detached home. 

He smashed an upstairs window to gain entry to the home in Barton Seagrave, Northamptonshire, on June 22. 

Lee rifled through the family home before fleeing with items including Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Cartier Santos and Rolex Datejust watches and a blue sapphire necklace, which 34-year-old Wilson had bought his wife.

Around £2,000 destined for the BeMoreFab children's cancer charity was also taken.

Wilson later posted on social media to describe the burglary as a 'deeply distressing experience' and withdrew from the Championship League Snooker event in Leicester which he had been playing in.

He wrote: 'This has been a deeply distressing experience, not because of the value of the items alone, but because of the personal memories and meaning attached to them.'

Lee was swiftly arrested during a joint operation involving Northamptonshire Police and the neighbouring Bedfordshire force.  He subsequently appeared at Northampton Magistrates' Court on July 7, charged with one count of burglary dwelling and theft – no violence.

Lee, of Luton, admitted burglary at Northampton Crown Court on Monday and was sentenced on the same day.

Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane also ordered him to pay a £228 surcharge.

The prolific burglar was previously jailed for three-and-a-half years after a string of Asian jewellery burglaries in 2018.

Detective Inspector Alan Rooney, of Northamptonshire Police, said afterwards: 'This was a great example of officers and staff from two police forces working together and I would like to thank Bedfordshire Police for their support.

'This investigation is a great example of partnership working which demonstrates the benefit of sharing information, expertise and resources to help not only identify those offenders who are willing to cross borders to commit crime, but also to help secure justice for victims.

'People often underestimate how violating it can feel to know that someone has been inside your home with the sole intent of stealing your property and we are pleased that the sentence reflects how much a crime such as this can affect someone.

'Through Operation Crooked, we are fully committed to reducing burglaries and will continue acting on information provided to take robust action towards and spare residents the anguish of being a victim of burglary.'

Known as 'The Warrior', Wilson is one of Britain's most successful snooker players. He turned professional in 2010 and has won multiple titles during his career including the world championship in 2024.

He has since been granted residency in Hong Kong, although he will retain his base in England.

Speaking this week, he said: 'It's one of my favourite destinations in the world.

'We spend a lot of time out in Asia, China and Hong Kong places like that.

'It kind of feels like a home from home, like a great base where I can go and feel safe with my family.

'I wouldn't say I am moving there now, who knows what the future holds?

'It's a great option to have. Kettering has been very kind to me with recent events, I love K-Town.'