Cycling burglar caught on camera stealing bottles of wine and spirits during break-in at Leeds city centre restaurant

Aaron McGough was filmed cycling past Miah's Kitchen, York Place, several times before carrying out the offence on April 27 this year.

Katy Varlow, prosecuting, said the premises were empty at the time as it was closed over the coronavirus lockdown period.

McGough, 38, smashed a window to gain entry to the premises before taking the items and making off.

The defendant was identified as the suspect after his blood was recovered from the scene.

He was also recognised from the CCTV footage.

Miss Varlow said officers stopped McGough on Springwell Road on April 3 after he was seen acting suspiciously.

McGough was carrying a bag which he dropped as he was challenged by officers.

The bag was searched and found to contain two wraps of crack cocaine, two of heroin and one of spice.

McGough, of Shafton View, Holbeck, pleaded guilty to burglary, two counts of possession of a class A drug and possession of a class B drug.

He has 89 previous convictions for 141 offences.

Ms Ahmad said: "He sincerely apologises to the owner of the restaurant.

"He has a significant drug problem and, as he told the police, he has no recollection of the burglary.

"He knows that does not provide an excuse for his behaviour."

McGough was jailed for ten months.

Judge Robin Mairs said: "The fact that this was committed at the height of the pandemic when businesses were suffering acutely is an aggravating feature."