A burglar who broke into a house and stole copper piping was told he must attend a ‘thinking skills programme’ as punishment for his crime.
Dale Moore, of Hobart Road, Grantham, admitted burglary after breaking into a house in Princess Drive in the town.
The 20-year-old was arrested after blood was found at the property, which was unoccupied at the time of the break-in.
Marie Stace, prosecuting, said: “When the blood was examined, it was found to have come from Mr Moore.”
Initially, Moore denied having anything to do with the burglary, explaining the presence of blood by saying he had visited the house when it was previously occupied. However, he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to burglary of a non-domestic dwelling.
Chris Pye-Smith, defending, said Moore had no memory of the crime, despite admitting his guilt in court.
Mr Pye-Smith said: “Mr Moore has little or no recollection of the incident.
“At the time he had had a falling out with his partner and had been drinking. He was probably intoxicated at the time he committed the offence.”
As well as the stolen copper piping, there was further damage to the house roof - both at the front and at the rear of the property.
Compensation of £100 was claimed by the owner of the house to cover the insurance excess.
Chair of magistrates Jenny James said: “This was a serious offence, even though it was unoccupied and you knew it was unoccupied.”
Moore was sentenced to an 18-month community order which requires him to attend appointments with the Probation Service and attend 19 sessions of a thinking skills programme.
Mrs James told Moore he was fortunate to avoid prison.
She said: “We have reduced your sentence as you pleaded guilty.
“Had you not pleaded guilty it is likely you would have gone to prison.”
Moore must pay £100 compensation and £85 costs.