A BURGLAR given an alternative to a custodial sentence is now behind bars after stealing from a community centre where he was carrying out unpaid work.

Kris Hunter was spared an immediate jail term and made subject of a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Durham Crown Court in February last year.

Having admitting burglary with intent to steal, he was ordered to carry out 240 hours’ unpaid work and attend 25 Probation Service activity days.

The court was told Hunter’s unpaid work was at Dawdon Community Centre, Seaham, a charity-run complex providing classes for special needs children, youth groups and a food bank.

Chris Wood, prosecuting, said on April 12, while on an unpaid work session, Hunter went into the IT room at the centre, entered an insecure cupboard and took a lap-top computer, two chargers and speakers, worth £459.

Following a review of cctv Hunter was seen placing the stolen items into a carrier.

On his arrest he made admissions claiming he had been threatened to steal the items and hand them over to those who pressured him.

The charity operators were angered by the theft as they had to use much needed funds to replace them.

Hunter, 30, of Shaw Street, Seaham, admitted theft and breach of the suspended sentence.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating, said Hunter was on, “a downward spiral” after losing work and returning to drug taking, but accepted the theft was, “deeply stupid.”

Jailing him for 26 months, Judge Christopher Prince told Hunter it was a “contemptible” offence against a charitable group.