Currys PC World store burglar jailed after being caught red handed by staff at Crown Point store in Leeds

Career criminal Lee Thorpe was locked up for 19 months over the offence at the store at Crown Point, near to Leeds centre.

Leeds Crown Court heard the store was closed at the time of the break-in at 1pm on January 31 this year.

Ayesha Smart, prosecuting, said signs had been placed outside the store informing people that the premises were closed to the public.

Thorpe forced an automatic door open and got hold of a security key to open to boxes containing lap tops.

Thorpe was then confronted by members of store staff and the defendant ran out of a back door.

Thorpe was found to be carrying another bag which contained nail clippers and other items to be used to steal goods.

The court heard Thorpe was under the influence of drink and drugs at the time of the offence.

He pleaded guilty to burglary.

Thorpe, of Holmefirth Green, Leeds, has 44 convictions for 90 previous offences.

Gareth Henderson-Moore, mitigating, said Thorpe pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Phillips QC said: "It is quite clear that you were attempting to flee with the box.

"It is noteworthy that this offending took place in a national lockdown, at a time when the public were well aware of their obligations."