A boozy burglar who stole an iPad and a set of keys from a car dealership was picked up by police when they spotted him acting suspiciously near the garage.
Lex Taylor broke into the MG dealership at Croxdale before rifling through drawers and fleeing the scene on October 5 last year, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.
James Gallagher, prosecuting, said the 24-year-old told police he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the of the burglary.
He said the police were alerted to the burglary when the alarm at the dealership was activated and Taylor was captured wandering around the site by CCTV.
Mr Gallagher added: “He told police that he had been asked to pick a car up by his friend but was pleased that he hadn’t as he had been drinking.”
The court heard how the defendant had 11 previous convictions for 33 offences on his record.
Gallagher, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the burglary at an earlier hearing.
Paul Malone, mitigating, said his client disagreed with some elements of his pre-sentence report but had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
He said: “At the time of the offence, he was under the influence of alcohol and was heavily intoxicated.
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“I would ask you to consider that on this occasion you can impose the recommendations in the report which is an extensive order.”
Colling Morris, the chairman of the bench, urged the defendant to reengage with mental health services to help him to address his issues.
The 24-year-old was made subject to a two-year community order with 45 rehabilitation activity requirement days attached.
He was also ordered to pay £199 towards court costs.
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