Bristol crook 'not smart enough to be burglar'

Bungling criminal Neil Griffin has been given a final chance after a judge told him he was no good at offending.

Griffin was caught in the act as he tried to commit a burglary in Highridge, Bristol Crown Court heard yesterday.

The 20-year-old, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and also admitted trying to steal a car stereo and being caught for that after cutting himself and leaving his blood at the scene.

Having conceded to Judge David Ticehurst that being remanded in custody was "horrible", he told him: "I'm going to prove I can do it (beat drugs) for myself.

"If I can't I'll end up back in jail. I ain't taking no more drugs. I can guarantee it."

Handing him a 52-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, the judge said he would take an exceptional course with him.

He told Griffin: "You're not a very good criminal. You're not bright enough."

Griffin was made the subject of a drug rehabilitation requirement and warned that if he failed he would go to prison for at least a year.

Robert Reid, prosecuting, said a householder was at home in Geoffrey Close at around 9am when he heard smashing noises.

Mr Reid said: "He came across the defendant, with a garden hoe, at his patio doors.

"The defendant said he was doing nothing."

The court heard Griffin had tried to break into a shed but was restrained until police arrived.

Nicholas Clough, defending, said: "If he can stay clear of drugs, he can stay clear of crime."