‘Sorry, I won’t do it again’ – burglar tried to steal TV

A MAN who admitted breaking into a house and trying to steal a television set has been jailed.

Lloyd Cooper, 24, of Upper Abbery Street, Nuneaton, also admitted breaking the window of a car parked in a supermarket car park and stealing cash when he appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The judge heard he broke into the house in Holyhead during the early hours of November 22.

Will Hingston, prosecuting, said Kelly Fleming was asleep when she became aware of something wrong.

“She went into the living room and, although it was in darkness, she could make out the figure of a man holding the television in his hands,” he said.

“She shouted and he dropped it and ran out. He shouted: ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again’ as he climbed over a garden wall.”

Police officers on patrol later found several vehicles had been damaged in the car park at Lidl. One had had a window smashed and £2.50 stolen from the centre console.

Mr Hingston said it cost the owner £90 to repair.

Evidence found at the scene of the two offences linked them to Cooper, but he avoided arrest until last month, when he was jailed by magistrates in Warwickshire for an attempted burglary charge.

Mr Hingston summarised a Victim Personal Statement by Ms Fleming, who said the incident had had a significant impact on her.

“She has not slept well since the incident and needs to check every small noise she hears during the night,” he said.

“She is frightened of being in her own home and is grateful of the support offered by the Victim Support charity.” Paulinus Barnes, defending, said Cooper realised the seriousness of the offence and accepted an immediate jail setnece was likely.

“He is sorry for what he has done and realises the serious impact it has had on the householder,” he said.

“He is the father of children himself and it is excessive drinking which has led to these offences.”

Jailing him for 10 months, Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins said the burglary was a “mean offence”.

The judge ordered Cooper to pay a £140 surcharge but made no order for compensation.