Burglar’s intoxicated £20K rampage in Barnsley offfice

James Bentley broke windows, ripped fire panels from the walls, smashed a disabled toilet, ransacked cupboards, and filled carrier bags with goods which he left outside Triple Ps Ltd, on Moston Claycliffe business park, at 7.30am, on August 8.

Prosecutor Francis Bencheon told Sheffield Crown Court: "The fire brigade formed the opinion he was drunk and locked himself inside."

Bentley later told police he had been allowed inside to use the toilet, and then found himself trapped, she said on Friday, adding the company is set to pay £22,000 to upgrade security.

Amy Earnshaw, mitigating, said Bentley, a dad-of-one, had been assessed by a psychiatrist who said he was attempting to kill himself.

She said he had lost his job at the company where he'd worked for 13 years, and his six-year relationship broke down.

"It appears he had a breakdown. He didn't want to live any longer. He had taken a cocktail of prescribed medication," she said.

"His family have rallied around. He has been prescribed medication for depression and is back in full time employment."

Bentley, 35, of Moorfield Road, Barnsley, admitted non-dwelling burglary, on November 15.

Judge Rachael Harrison gave him 13 months, suspended for two years, with an electronically monitored curfew from 11pm-7am in the week, and 8pm-6am at the weekend.

He must carry out 200 hours unpaid work and pay £2,400 compensation at the rate of £200 per month.