House raider left his haul in neat pile

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark McGuinn, 18, struck after a cocktail of drink and drugs.

The defendant, of the Commercial Hotel, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, admitted burglary with intent to steal. He was given a 12 month community order with supervision, 40 hours community service and £245 costs.

Recorder Philip Butler told the defendant he could have gone to jail for 12 months -- and that's what awaited him if he flouted his non-custodial sentence.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said the defendant went into a house on Newchurch Road. The victim was at home and found someone had been in her kitchen. A microwave, toaster, kettle and other electrical items had been taken.

She contacted the police and the following morning she found the goods in neat pile by her garden gate.

Miss Statham said McGuinn was arrested as a result of fingerprint lifts. He was interviewed and said he could not remember a great deal as he had had cider, strong lager and "whizz".

In interview he accepted he had taken the property from the house and left it on the path but couldn't explain why he had done it. He had no previous convictions for burglary.

David Temkin, defending, said McGuinn was embarrassed and ashamed for what he had done to his family by committing the offence. The incident was opportunist and there was no confrontation with the householder.

The barrister said when it dawned on the defendant what he had done he felt an idiot and he left the goods in a neat pile when he realised the error of his ways.

Mr Temkin said McGuinn had not touched drugs since the offence but did still drink although he did not have a problem.

He was now living at his auntie's pub and she was extremely strict with him. She did not let him abuse alcohol and he was glad of her support.

Mr Temkin added the defendant had a job lined up at a meat processing factory in Waterfoot and was due to start in the new year.