A man sentenced to 15 months in jail for an attempted burglary at a house in Huddersfield was taken from the dock at Leeds Crown Court declaring “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
Lorraine Harris prosecuting told the court Wayne Eastwood was arrested after the police were called in the early hours of June 2 to an incident in Grasscroft Avenue, Honley.
A student was in his parents home watching television and playing games when he heard a bang outside. He then heard the kitchen door handle moving.
He opened the door and looked outside where he saw two males, one was behind the hedge and he shouted to ask what they were doing.
One of the males asked aggressively what he was going to do and pulled a ski type mask over his face.
The student fearing he was going to be stabbed ran back into his home and called the police. He could see three men walking away.
Eastwood when arrested denied he had touched the door handle but accepted he was acting as a lookout for the others. He said he would whistle to them if anybody passed.
Adam Birkby representing Eastwood said he was a young man who had difficulties in his life including suffering from depression. “He became very upset in conference at the thought of imprisonment.”
He realised how foolish he had been that night since he had a job to start later that day. “He knows he was stupid and can only apologise.”
Eastwood, 21 of Daw Royds, Almondbury, admitted attempted burglary.
Jailing him Judge Tom Bayliss QC said it had not been an impulsive act, he had gone out with two others and one of them had threatened the occupant when he asked what was going on.
“This is a very serious matter, those who burgle people’s homes must realise there are guidelines for the courts how they should deal with them. Burglary will be dealt with severely.”
When he heard the sentence Eastwood repeatedly apologised saying “I’m sorry” and asking not to be jailed but was taken from the dock.
