Martham: A burglar caught red-handed by the homeowner still managed to escape through a window after he was locked in a utility room, while the owner phoned police, a court heard.
James Yeates, 42, who stole a number of items including a coin box and a debit card from the home in Martham, was later arrested, Norwich Crown Court heard.
Andrew Oliver, prosecuting, said in a police interview Yeates claimed he had been drunk at the time and could not remember much of the incident.
Yeates, of Willow Way, Martham, admitted burglary and was jailed for 12 months.
Sentencing him, Recorder Guy Ayers said the burglary was serious as he had broke into the home while the owner was there with his family.
John Morgans, for Yeates said it was an unusual set of circumstances and said Yeates wanted to break his cycle of offending.
'When he is away from drink he is away from the courts.'
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