Burglar 'was only in house to wash his hands and sleep'
A hapless burglar who was caught stealing a laptop from a kitchen claimed to police that he was only in the house to wash his hands and rest his head.
Callum Robbins, 23, used a key to get into the house in the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury when the owner was on holiday, in July 2019.
He was caught red-handed by a neighbour, who watched him place a laptop and its case inside his bag.
When he left, the neighbour pursued him and was able to restrain him while he waited for police to arrive, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard on Tuesday.
Robbins, of Spring Gardens, Shrewsbury, was interviewed and claimed that he was looking for somewhere to wash his hands when he found the door key. He also said he went inside to sleep and panicked when he was caught, said prosecutor Philip Beardwell.
Robbins pleaded not guilty to burglary but on the day of trial he changed his plea and was sentenced after some deliberation.
Personal issues
His representative in court, Rob Edwards, said Robbins had recently suffered the difficult end of a relationship, was abusing prescription drugs and had debts of £2,000.
He said that in desperation Robbins tried to steal the laptop to make some money.
But Robbins has subsequently tackled his drug and debt issues through hard work, said Mr Edwards.
"He knows full well what he has done was wrong on this occasion. He recognises the traumatic experience he has caused [the victims]."
Judge Peter Barrie said that the biggest impact of stealing a laptop would be the loss of personal data and memories.
Recognising the progress he had made in tackling his issues, the judge handed down a community order to last 12 months and include a requirement of rehabilitation activity.
