A garage workshop thief who admitted his part in a burglary which saw £30,000 worth of equipment stolen has been spared jail after trying to take his own life.
Kieron Milligan left blood at Clacton Car and MOT centre in Clacton-on-Sea before taking the tools which he later tried selling at a cash exchange shop, the Clacton Gazette has reported.
Richard Scott, prosecuting at Chelmsford Crown Court, said: “Entry appeared to have been gained by smashing a window at the front of the garage.
“The cost of repairing the window was some £400.
Alarm ripped from wall
“An untidy search was conducted of the premises and the alarm system was disabled by ripping it from the wall.
“Something like £30,000 worth of equipment, which was technological and diagnostic equipment, including computers, was stolen, and £1,800 in cash was also taken.”
Milligan admitted charges of fraud and burglary but the court accepted he had not acted alone and was the victim of cuckooing – a practice whereby drug dealers take over the home of a user to use as a base of operations.
Daniel Sutter, mitigating, said Milligan has mental health difficulties.
“Didn’t intend to make anyone’s life difficult”
He said: “He has asked me to relay his remorse.
“He certainly didn’t intend to make anyone’s life difficult.
“In the grip of the circumstances he found himself in, he paid rather less attention to others than he did himself.
“The probation report highlights he is possibly schizophrenic.
“He is clearly a man who is not wholly well.
“He made an attempt on his life and was in hospital on Monday, when this case was originally listed.”
Suicide attempt
The burglary was carried out in 2017 but took two years to get to court due to delays in the investigation.
Judge Emma Peters suspended a 12-month prison sentence for two years to allow Milligan to continue steps made with the probation service.
He must complete a 50-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.
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