Ludlow man burgled house days after owner died

A 25-year-old Ludlow man, who burgled an isolated Shropshire home days after the householder had died, has been given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Nicholas James Watkins, of Milton Road, admitted burgling the home in Wheatcommon Lane, near Ludlow, with intent to steal between January 23 and 26.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Hatton, also ordered him to carry out 150 hours work in the community, undertake drug treatment requirements for six months, and pay £150 compensation.

Mr Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, said the isolated property used to belong to Miss Jean Hurst, who died in January.

The break-in was discovered on January 25 when people visiting the property noticed the conservatory doors were forced and there were bloody tissues strewn around the house.

The blood was analysed and traced to Watkins.

Mr Beardwell said during interview Watkins claimed was walking dogs between 9pm and 9.30pm and one of them had broken away from the lead and gone along the drive and into the house.

He claimed the security light had gone on and he determined there was no-one inside the property. He said the door was open and went to look for the dog.

He told police he had not noticed he had cut himself until the next day and that he had been drunk at the time after drinking home-made damson wine.

Mr Danny Smith, for Watkins, said his client had stabilised his life since and now lived with his religious leader and his wife. He had progressed with his addiction and was no longer an alcoholic.