Judge's warning as man spared jail
At Exeter Crown Court 21-year-old David Wilson of Hayley Park, Kingskerswell, admitted burglary and was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also told to do 240 hours unpaid work in the community and pay £600 in compensation.
Passing sentence Judge Philip Wassall told Wilson: "This was methodical and sophisticated criminal behaviour, but in view of the fact you have no previous convictions I can suspend the sentence. However there will be no second chances."
Two other men who purchased some of the stolen items were each told to do 180 hours unpaid work in the community and were told to pay £300 each in costs for handling stolen goods.
They were Kyle Darke, 23, of Starpitten Lane West, Torquay, and Michael Jones, 20, of Peters Crescent, Marldon.
Prosecutor Mary McCarthy said the raids happened in February last year at Darren Tolley Cars, World of Cars and Arlington Panel Works.
Some property from the burglaries was found in the possession of Darke and Jones.
For Wilson, Nicholas Hall said his client had lost his good character and his girlfriend following what was his excessively poor judgement.
However, the offences were unsophisticated and unplanned as well as causing minimal damage.
George Trelfall, for Jones, said his client had been stupid in buying the tools which were obviously stolen as he only paid £40 for them. He was planning to go into the Royal Marines but that had been put on hold until the outcome of the case had been decided.
Martin Salloway, for Darke, said the defendant realised the tools were stolen, but went ahead and bought them.
All three men were of previous good character, the court heard.
