Burglar from Darwen was beaten up by his victims

Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Anthony Mountain was confronted by members of the owner’s family and arranged for all the property to be returned and also handed over £100 by way of compensation.

But he still ended up in hospital with a fractured skull and fractured eye sockets as they handed out their own punishment and was then arrested by the police and charged with burglary.

Mountain, of Lloyd Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to burglary at a garage in Darwen, and theft of the bikes, generator and power tools.

He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months with a condition he completes a drug rehabilitation programme.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when Mountain was confronted by the owner of the property he admitted what he had done and made arrangements for the property to be returned.

The owner received the bikes from two men in a white van who said they had bought them in good faith.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Mountain had been approached by the son of the owner and asked if he knew anything about the burglary.

“He immediately admitted the theft and the bikes and the generator were returned,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

“He also agreed that £200 compensation would be paid and he immediately handed over £100 out of his benefits. Despite his apologies and best efforts the owners inflicted a bit of summary justice. He did his utmost to put things right but clearly that wasn’t enough.”

Reporting on Mountain’s suitability for community service probation officer Lynne Nolan said he said the summary justice had been a wake up call.

“He now says he needs to address his drug problems,” said Mrs Nolan.

District Judge James Prowse said he was pleased to hear Mountain had recognised that he had a drug problem and was ready to do something about it.

“You and I both know that if you sort out a heavy drug abuse problem the chances are I won’t be seeing you back here again,” said Judge Prowse.