A THIEF who stole money and valuables from a safe in his grandparents' home was spared jail after impressing a judge with efforts to turn around his life.

James Peel, from North Yorkshire, was said to have been struggling with alcohol problems and was already on a community order for earlier offending.

The 31-year-old faced prison for taking cash and items worth between £500 and £600 – most of which was his parents, but was being kept in the safe.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Peel's mother and father run a bed and breakfast business from their farm in Over Stilton, near Thirsk.

Despite the problems he has caused, Peel still lives with them and works on the farm, his barrister, Ian West, told the judge, Recorder James Baird.

Mr West described the offences as "mean" and said he had been given a community order in February for taking a bank card and money from his mother's account.

He urged the judge to allow the good work he has done on community service and with probation officials to continue by imposing a suspended sentence.

Peel admitted two charges of burglary with intent to steal, and one of theft, and was given a 12-month suspended jail term with 150 hours unpaid work.

After reading a supportive letter from Peel's father, Mr Recorder Baird told him: "I think it would be a backward step to send you to prison immediately.

"Over the last few years, your life seems to have spiralled out of control as a result of alcohol addiction which has brought you before the courts.

"I am impressed with what your father has written and your parents clearly feel you are addressing your problems. You have a lot to be thankful to them for."

Prosecutor Uzma Khan told the court that Peel used a drill to get into the safe while his grandfather was in hospital and shortly after his grandmother died.