Boozed-up Sheffield burglar was too drunk to remember break-in

Terence Collins was discovered by the woman in the living room of her home in Darnall, just after her partner left for work, at midday, on November 23, last year, said prosecutor Brian Outhwaite.

When she confronted him, Collins, who was wearing a blue Covid mask, claimed to be looking for a friend.

"He said he was sorry before leaving and stumbling towards the door, " said Mr Outhwaite. "He smelled strongly of alcohol."

She told him to get out and Collins left, but took her purse, which contained cash, bank cards and a driving licence.

He was captured on a neighbour's CCTV camera and recognised by a police officer, but denied the offence when he was interviewed, two days later.

The court heard he has 29 previous convictions, dating back to 1986, for 84 offences, including dishonesty, robbery, violence and blackmail.

His most recent offences are for being drunk and disorderly and possessing a Class B drug.

Chris Brewin, mitigating, said: "He wishes to apologise for the offence. He says he was so intoxicated at the time and he can't remember anything.

"The only thing he can think of is that he has a family member living nearby. Sadly he has been drinking far too much for some time. He has issues with his physical and mental health."

Mr Brewin said Collins has suffered a series of tragedies, including the deaths of his parents, brother and sister, over the last couple of years.

"After he is released he plans to move to Birmingham and access help," Mr Brewin said.

Collins, 49, of Foster Way, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to burglary, when he appeared in the magistrates’ court, on January 4.

Recorder Jeremy Hill-Baker told him: "I take account you have had a particularly hard time lately... But none of that can outweigh the impact of your presence in that house."

The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison, and said he will be released at the halfway point and serve the rest on licence.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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