A PROLIFIC teenage offender stole two trombones - so he could take up music.
Danny Sayers, 17, was arrested after his fingerprints were found at the house in Valebrook, Sunderland, following a break-in last April, Durham Crown Court was told.
Property worth £4,500 was taken, including the trombones, a rare clock, a video camera and other, "irreplaceable" items of sentimental value, none of which has been recovered.
John Temple, prosecuting, said Sayers told police he carried out the burglary with others, who he refused to name.
Robin Patton, for Sayers, said, once arrested, he cooperated with police.
The court was told of Sayers previous convictions for more than 70 offences, including house burglaries, robbery and vehicle interference.
Sayers, of Tadcaster Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, admitted burglary of the house in Valebrook and asked for five other similar offences to be considered. A letter was passed to Judge Maurice Carr, on Sayers' behalf, claiming he intended to study music.
He was sent to a young offenders' institution for 18 months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article