Wharton: Thief caused thousands of pounds damage after he broke into two cars

A thief who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after breaking into two cars near Gainsborough has been given a chance to go straight by a judge.
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Benjamin Clarke, 20, admitted charges of burglary and attempted burglary at Beck Farm, Wharton, on August 7.

He also admitted theft from a motor vehicle and attempted theft.

Lincoln Crown Court was told that two windows were smashed in a Mitsubishi car parked outside an isolated farm at Wharton, near Gainsborough.

Almas Ben-Aribia, prosecuting, said the driver’s door was bent back and a sat nav was taken. More damage was caused to a Mercedes car parked nearby which had a window smashed and a door damaged.

A spot of blood was found on paperwork strewn across the passenger seat of the Mitsubishi. Forensic tests linked the blood to Clarke who was arrested.

Miss Ben-Aribia said: “The cost of repairs to the damage of the two vehicles was in the region of £8,000.

“Clarke later told officers he was high on cocaine when he travelled to the farm with two friends whom he refused to name.

“He had limited recollection but recalled being on the premises with intent to steal fuel. Her said he took the sat nav and then smashed the indicators of the car as they were flashing when the alarm was set off.”

Miss Ben-Aribia said that Clarke had also unsuccessfully attempted to break into the farm house and had forced his way into a padlocked outbuilding although nothing appeared to have been stolen.

James Armstrong-Holmes, defending, told the court: “He is a deeply troubled man. He had a very difficult upbringing. At the time of the offence he was under the influence of cocaine. That was a habit he had at that time.” He said that Clarke has since moved to live with his grandmother.

He said: “He does want to get his life back on track. He is looking for work.

“He is not taking cocaine or marijuana and more. He has been clean since August.”

Judge Michael Heath deferred sentence for six months telling Clarke, of Stayton Drive, Immingham,: “If you keep out of trouble for six months it will be a non-custodial sentence. If you don’t I will lock you up.”