Burglar caught by police in possession of rubber hammer moments after midnight break-in at house in Cross Green

West Yorkshire Police officers were called to St Hildas Mount, Cross Green, after receiving a report of a man trying to break into house.

Leeds Crown Court heard a member of the public dialled 999 as Ben Parkin was seen inside a porch trying to force the door of the mid-terrace property.

Robert Galley, prosecuting, said officers attended shortly before midnight on June 14 and found the defendant nearby.

He was searched and a rubber hammer was found stuffed into his waistband.

Parkin was arrested and gave a false name and date of birth to the officers.

Parkin then claimed the house belonged to his friend and he had gone there after hearing a bang.

Parkin, 21, of Baildon Chase, Whinmoor, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Ms Whitehead said Parkin was easily influenced by others and was fearful of being sent to custody.

Recorder Mark McKone gave Parkin a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Parkin was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Recorder McKone told the defendant: "If you had got in to the house and the homeowner had confronted you, you would have been going to prison for a very long time."