A "mortal drunk" burglar broke into a rural Northumberland home and helped himself to brandy while the homeowners were away on holiday.
Steven Scott smashed the window of a home in Bothal and carried out an untidy search of the property in the early hours of March 17. When police arrived, Scott was apprehended by a police dog and lied to officers, telling them it was his "mam's house".
On Friday, Scott, 40, of Fern Drive, Dudley, Cramlington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for burglary. He had pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard that the homeowners went on holiday to Scotland on March 12 and locked and secured their home. But days later, on March 17, a neighbour heard Scott knocking on the window of the empty home and alerted them to the break-in.
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said: "On March 17, (the homeowners) received a message from their neighbour to say they'd been burgled. The neighbour confirmed that he heard someone knocking on their window, he looked outside and saw the defendant.
"He saw the defendant throw a stone through the window and climb inside. He could hear the sound of drawers being opened."
Police soon arrived at the home while Scott was still inside and a police dog was released into the property which apprehended him in a bedroom.
Mr Pallister added: "When challenged, the defendant said 'it's my mam's house'. When the homeowners returned, they confirmed that the front window had been smashed and numerous drawers had been opened in the sitting room and a bottle of brandy had been opened and some had been consumed.
"In interview the defendant admitted the burglary, saying he was mortal drunk and couldn't remember anything about it."
The court heard Scott had 49 previous convictions for 99 offences, none of which were for burglary but mainly shoplifting.
Penny Hall, defending, said the burglary was committed on "drunken impulse" and that he has a "problem with alcohol". She said: "The fact he can't remember it he was so intoxicated and stopped in the house by police shows a clear problem. He accepts he's dependent on alcohol and has sought assistance himself and has been attending AA meetings."
Ms Hall added: "He's not a man who burgles houses, it is his first conviction for this and he is disgusted with himself. Although he has a record, he has never committed this offence before."
Sentencing Scott, Judge Sarah Mallett handed him a 14 month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months and ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work. He must also complete up to 22 rehabilitation days and pay £100.
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