A BBC Bargain Hunt star has spoken out after the sentencing of a criminal who burgled his auction house and made off with valuables worth over £21,000. The TV antiques expert, known for his appearances on programmes such as Flog It! and Antiques Roadshow expressed relief at "justice being done" following Shane O'Malley's 30-month incarceration at Derby Crown Court. The 46-year-old auctioneer commented on the ordeal, advocating for "harsher" penalties for offenders.

O'Malley, aged 47, executed a ram-raid attack on the auctioneer's house in Etwall, Derbyshire, at the early hour of 2.10am on April 18 last year, armed with a hammer. Along with an accomplice, he targeted the venue just hours before a scheduled four-day sale featuring silver, jewelry, and watches, reports The Mirror.

Hanson stated: “The emotional and financial impact of burglaries on homes and businesses is significant. I am pleased the police were able to bring this person to justice. I would say that while justice has been done, I would like to see harsher sentences imposed for crimes of this nature."

As caught on CCTV, the two men used hammers to shatter glass cases and displays in their search for valuables. Their haul amounted to more than £21,000 in goods. When the establishment's alarm system alerted law enforcement, investigating officers discovered tyre impressions on the grass adjoining the auction house and evidence of damage to a sizeable window and shutter.

A hammer and two blood spatters were discovered at the crime scene, with forensic analysis confirming the blood matched that of O'Malley. The Rotherham, South Yorkshire resident pleaded guilty to burglary, while his accomplice remains unidentified.

PC Benjamin Harvey from Derbyshire Police commented on the incident: "This was clearly a targeted and pre-planned attack which led to over £21,000 worth of items being stolen. In addition, damage was caused to the premises and the cabinets inside - leaving the business even more out of pocket. O'Malley was traced after leaving his blood at the scene and has now paid the price for his involvement in this crime with a spell behind bars."

At the time, Mr Hanson expressed his dismay about the break-in. He remarked: "It's despicable and sad that my Etwall saleroom has been broken into but, thankfully, limited mess and disturbance has occurred. This was due to our security system and the police who were quickly on the scene."