Wolverhampton man woke to find prolific thief asleep in his bedroom in his work clothes

Martin Milner had fallen asleep on the settee of his Cannock Road flat on June 18 without locking his door.

When he awoke the following morning, he became aware that items had been moved and looked in his bedroom to find Christopher Paxon, 29, asleep in his work overalls, including Mr Milner's jeans and trainers.

The occupier then went to investigate further before returning to his bedroom and waking Paxon - who pleaded guilty to burglary - shouting 'get out before I call the police'.

Anthony Potter, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court Paxon responded by swearing and trying to grab Mr Milner before heading to the front door where he grabbed a bag containing Mr Milner's tools.

However, the victim was able to get the tool bag back off Paxon, who fled, before calling the police, who arrived and took Mr Milner on a drive of the surrounding area where he was able to identify Paxon.

Mr Potter said Paxon, of Wood Lane, Bushbury, told the police he had fallen asleep in a bush and was given some clothes by a passer-by.

He added Paxon had 34 previous convictions for theft, two for robbery, three for burglary and one for being found in enclosed premises.

Paul Hiatt, mitigating, described the incident as a "bizarre burglary" and said Paxon had been going through a "difficult period" in which he had battled depression and had been taking drugs and drinking, while he had also used diazepam and methadone in the past.

Judge Nicholas Webb said: "You were clearly affected by drink and went into someone else's home, almost certainly at night and stole some clothing, which you put on. You then fell asleep. When the occupier awoke, he found you in the bedroom. He was understandably worried and was prepared to use reasonable force against you."

Mr Webb said the circumstances were made worse because the occupier was at home at the time of the offence.

Paxon was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence.