Drunken Meir burglar hurt during late-night break in

A DRUNKEN burglar who woke up householders as he tried to climb through their bathroom window has been jailed.

Shaun Latham, aged 21, broke into a three-bedroom detached house in Charminster Road, Meir Park, at 1.15am on May 13.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday heard Latham was 'out to steal' as he walked across a neighbour's garden and climbed on a shed to gain access to the roof which led to the bathroom.

Prosecutor David Bennett said the victims, who had left their bathroom window slightly open for ventilation, were awoken at 1.15am by a loud bang.

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"The husband checked and found the bathroom window wide open," said Mr Bennett.

"He heard groaning noises coming from outside at the side.

"His wife went to the front of the house and saw a male suspect climb over their van and walk out of the front gate, turning left."

The court heard police found the defendant walking away with blood on his hand and clothing.

"He slumped to the ground as he was approached by police officers," added Mr Bennett.

Latham was taken to hospital by ambulance where he received treatment for his injuries.

The court heard he had damaged the roof tiles and guttering.

And his blood was recovered from the van roof.

In his police interview Latham said he was drunk and could not recall anything. He answered no comment to all questions.

But Latham, of Charnwood Road, Meir, who has convictions for 35 offences, pleaded guilty to burglary at a hearing in August.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, conceded Latham had an 'unattractive' record for burglary. But all, apart from one, were not house burglaries. And he said there was no confrontation with the householders and nothing was stolen.

"It was a foolish action committed when he had been drinking," said Mr Noble.

"He was heavily drunk. Having had an argument with his girlfriend he drank though the day and committed this.

"Alcohol use continues to be a problem."

But Mr Noble said Latham was motivated to make some changes to his life.

He added: "There are a lot of positive things in his life. His girlfriend and his work."

Judge Paul Glenn said the burglary was aggravated by Latham's previous convictions, it was committed at night, he was under the influence of drink and there was some degree of premeditation, although no significant planning.

Jailing Latham for 14 months, Judge Glenn said: "You broke into this occupied house at 1.15am. You were plainly out to steal. You woke the occupants as you were trying to get in. There was plainly potential for confrontation.

"You injured yourself. I suspect largely because of that you were stopped by the police.

"Nothing was taken but this was an alarming experience for the householders. The officer who attended says they were visibly shaken."

Judge Glenn added: "Your return to serious offending is underpinned by the fact you drink too much."