Bristol thief caught breaking into garden shed

A Bristol thief was caught red handed as he was breaking into a garden shed in St George.

Bristol magistrates were told that the owner of a house in Dragon Walk heard a cracking noise and saw a man standing by his garden shed on October 31.

Two panels of wood had been broken from the shed door.

Vincent Bartley, 52, threw the panels to the ground and ran from the garden. As he ran he shouted "help me Steve," the court heard.

Someone outside the garden opened the gate for Bartley but the householder caught up with him and held him until police arrived.

Bartley, of Kennington Avenue, Kingswood, admitted attempting to enter the shed as a trespasser with intent to steal.

The court was told Bartley, who is on incapacity benefit, had been out drinking with friends on the night of the offence.

He was given a six-week curfew order and must stay at home between 7pm and 7am. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation for the damage to the shed.