Burglar smashed window to raid BMW dealership in Leeds

Paul Smith smashed a large window near the reception at Stratstone BMW on Gelderd Road, Leeds, in the early hours of September 29 last year, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Smith, of Cottingley Drive, Beeston, then smashed open a glass cabinet which contained BMW branded merchandise including watches, baseball caps and wallets.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said Smith, 39, stole items worth a total of £800 and caused damage to the window which cost £1,400 to repair and replace.

Smith, who admitted burglary, has 34 previous convictions for 62 offences, including burglary.

He was jailed for 59 weeks in December 2018 for four burglaries and was out of prison on licence when he committed the latest offence.

Alexander Menary, mitigating, said Smith has a problem with alcohol and has used heroin twice this year.

Mr Menary said: "He had been living with his mother on his release and she is a full time nurse who works at Leeds General Infirmary."

Mr Menary added: He has two children, he has a grandchild as well. It seems at his mother's house he has been able to stay off drugs and alcohol.

"He does suffer from anxiety and depression and that's the reason he turns to alcohol .

"He does silly things, in his words. This was a spur of the moment offence.

"He has suffered from self harming from (the ages of) 18 or 20 and he effectively used alcohol as a prop to go out and socialise."

Judge Christopher Batty sentenced Smith to a four month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered him to take part in a six month alcohol treatment programme.

Judge Batty told Smith: "Clearly, this was a desperate and pathetic offence ."