'DANGER TO SOCIETY'
Simon Cowell burglar killed dad-of-one in hit and run just days after raid on X-Factor mogul’s home as CCTV shows criminal outside star’s home minutes following £1million crime
A BURGLAR who raided Simon Cowell’s home killed a dad-of-one in a hit and run horror smash just days after the raid on the X-Factor mogul's house.
CCTV shows the moment career criminal Darren February broke into Cowell's home in exclusive Holland Park, west London, in 2015 stealing jewellery and passports worth almost £1 million.
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It has emerged February has also been convicted of causing the death of a motorcyclist Kenneth Baldwin just 10 days after the burglary.
February, who had 22 convictions including nine for burglary, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years in May last year for causing Mr Baldwin's death by dangerous driving not far from Cowell's home.
The court heard that February was driving at speeds of 60mph when he hit and killed Mr Baldwin on December 14.
CCTV showed him callously chatting on his phone and clearing evidence as the 52-year-old dad lay dying, reports the .
After the conviction today for the Cowell raid following a trial at Islington Crown Court, Detective Sergeant James Howarth labelled February a dangerous criminal.
He said: "Darren February is a danger to society with numerous convictions under his belt.
"It must have been terrifying for the occupants to imagine someone was inside their home while they slept, particularly with a young child in the house."
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Jurors heard February forced his way in through a patio door at around 1.20am.
The burglar ransacked the music mogul's safe, getting away with cash and jewellery thought to be worth around £950,000.
February was allegedly spotted as he hurried away by a security guard employed to patrol the neighbourhood.
Cops later discovered a pair of gloves on the pavement in a nearby road, which had February's DNA, after the guard followed the suspect to the location.
Simon was left shaken when his house was broken into while he, girlfriend Lauren Silverman and son Eric slept.
At the time Simon, 57, said: "It was nerve-racking. Lauren was woken up with me and we checked on Eric.
"That was the first thing we did, to make sure he was OK.
"Apart from the fact someone broke into my house and stole my stuff, which is scary, it could have been worse. Thankfully no one was hurt.
"But we have the worst guard dogs in the world."
February is due to be sentenced on Wednesday.
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