Sorry Derbyshire burglar stole lawn mower ... then returned it and confessed

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, March 17, how Rhys Morton, 18, of Hill Tops View, Matlock, stole the lawn mower from a neighbour’s home as well as tools from another home’s shed.

But prosecuting solicitor Bill Taylor said: “Morton turned up at a complainant’s home and said I’m sorry I’ve stolen this lawn mower. He said he felt guilty and returned the items.”

Morton was in court for breaching and failing to comply with a community order and unpaid work originally given to him in November for the admitted burglary and theft and for a separate robbery.

Defence solicitor Steve Brint said Morton has mental health issues and domestic difficulties. Magistrates sentenced Morton to 16 weeks of custody suspended for 12 months and placed him under a supervision requirement.