Bungling burglars spared prison
Three men who botched an attempt to break in to the home of a man they knew was on holiday have been spared immediate prison sentences.
Harbinder Summan, Marvin Nisbett and Sebastian Craven raided the property in Kingswood Gardens, Penn in Wolverhampton on March 11.
But Wolverhampton Crown Court was told the bungling burglars were caught red-handed after a neighbour alerted police.
Mr Nicholas Burn, prosecuting, told the court the trio had targeted the house because Summan was involved in a long-running dispute with a man who lived there.
"Nobody was at the property at the time as the homeowner was on holiday in India," he said.
"There had clearly been a degree of planning involved, as Summan had a history of disharmony with the complainant.
"They turned up at the property late at night, in all likelihood knowing no one would be present, but were spotted by a member of the public who immediately called the police."
The court heard all three men were arrested after a short chase on foot.
"Craven gave a detailed description of the night's events in his police interview," continued Mr Burn.
"He admitted his involvement and said he had been contacted by the others with the intention of going to the property.
"There is evidence of planning a criminal enterprise, although this was certainly not a sophisticated job."
He added Craven was on bail at the time of the incident for another clumsy attempted burglary in Holly Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, on January 16.
Defending Craven, Miss Heidi Kubik, said: "He has been in custody for just over two months since the incident, and it is an experience he has not enjoyed.
"He has used his time to reflect on his behaviour."
Mr Charnjit Jutla, for Nisbett, said his client had attempted to find work with an employment agency. Summan's counsel, Mr Simon Williams, told the court: "Since his arrest he has been under a curfew and is training to work as a carer."
Summan, aged 25, of Bunham Avenue, Oxley and Nisbett, aged 26, of Bright Street, Whitmore Reans, both pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.
They were both sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work.
Twenty-two-year-old Craven, of Albion Road, Handsworth, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted burglary. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
