A burglar who broke into a Heckmondwike pub was traced because he left blood on a sweet machine that was damaged in the raid.

Anthony Moore prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court the Red Lion in Market Street had been closed for a couple of months in early 2014 but a new landlord had taken up the lease and was doing work there and stocking it in June that year.

He had left it secure on June 18 but when he returned two days later he found a vending machine for children’s sweets was damaged on the floor and a window had been broken.

The intruders had got into a cupboard where the CCTV equipment was kept and damaged that so it was inoperable and they had also stolen £300 of beer and alcohol, a coat and some old electrical equipment.

Leeds Crown Court
Leeds Crown Court

Mr Moore said blood found on the vending machine led to Luke Andrew Grogan who had no previous convictions for dishonesty. Another man had also admitted burglary earlier and had the offence taken into consideration.

Grogan, 25, of Lincoln Avenue, Heckmondwike was due to stand trial but changed his plea and admitted the burglary. He was given a 12 month community order with 100 hours unpaid work.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC said there had clearly been an element of planning since the offence only occurred when the premises was again being used. “The only thing saving you from going to prison today is your plea of guilty.”