Mansfield man who broke into BT compound with accomplices was only one caught
A Mansfield man who broke into a telecoms yard with two accomplices to steal scrap metal was the only one caught, magistrates have heard.
Kenneth Marriott was seen running away from a BT compound, on Arnold Road, Nottingham, dressed in dark clothing, at 2.30am on January 21, said Catherine Wilson, prosecuting.
He was found with bolt cutters and a hand saw, and a hole had been snipped in the 2m tall fence around the compound.
Officers also found 20 metres of copper cable piled near a damaged cable drum.
As he was put into the police vehicle, Marriott, aged 51, said: "I only came to see if there was any spare scrap."
The court heard he has 16 previous convictions for 34 offences.
He was last in trouble when he received a 12 month sentence, suspended for two years, for fraud by false representation in 2020.
Charlotte Brothwell, mitigating, said although Marriott's accomplices brought the tools and cut the fence, he accepted responsibility.
The court heard there was a gap between 2014 and 2020 when he committed no offences.
Ms Brothwell said he is keen to get back into work as he is currently claiming Universal Credit and owes money to relatives.
Marriott, of Newark Close, Mansfield, admitted non-dwelling burglary and going equipped for theft when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He received a 12 month community order and was also told to participate in 10 rehabilitation activity days and carry out 50 hours of unpaid work