A FATHER-OF-THREE was going through “complete turmoil” in his mind when he broke in and stole items from two sheds in Spalding.
Andrew Bullivant (22), of Spalding Common, Spalding, was given a 12-month community order with supervision by Spalding magistrates on Thursday after admitting two charges of burglary at addresses in the town last month.
He was also ordered to go on a Thinking Skills programme after magistrates heard that Bullivant committed the burglaries at a time when he was having family problems.
Marie Stace, prosecuting, said Bullivant went to a house in Stennet Avenue on July 16 and pulled the shed door off its hinges before stealing a tool box and reel of cable.
The house occupant called police and when Bullivant was later arrested and interviewed, he admitted stealing a lawnmower from a shed in Fantail Close, Spalding, on the same day.
Mike Alexander, mitigating, said Bullivant was unable to tell him why he had broken into the sheds and stolen the items when asked about it.
“What was going through his mind at the time was complete turmoil,” Mr Alexander said.
“He can’t give me an explanation as to why he went out and did something he has never done before.
“Mr Bullivant was under immense mental strain at the time but that doesn’t excuse breaking into someone else’s shed and taking their items.
“This is a man who is totally remorseful and isn’t seeking to blame anyone else but himself.”
Presiding magistrate Jo Sunner said: “You went into someone else’s property and took items that didn’t belong to you.
“We’ve heard about your circumstances but you knew what you were doing and there’s no rational reason for committing these offences whatsoever.”
Bullivant, also known by the surname Cousins, was ordered to pay £85 costs.
A 17-year-old Spalding boy, who cannot be named, also pleaded guilty to the Stennet Avenue burglary and will be sentenced by the Youth Court.