A teenager has been spared an immediate custodial sentence for breaking into a man’s house at night and stealing his laptop computer, wallet and driving licence.

Luke Darling, 18, of Fifth Avenue, Bradford Moor, pleaded guilty to burgling the property in Fagley Place, Fagley, Bradford.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Darling was sorry for his actions and had sought help with his cocaine habit.

The judge, Recorder Richard Gioserano, said Darling was still very young and it was his first offence of house burglary. His probation officer thought he was best dealt with in the community.

Darling was sentenced to eight months in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, with 12 months’ supervision and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He must obey a four-month curfew.