A DRUG addict who smashed his way into a flat in the district and overturned sofas in an untidy search of the property has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Michael Seed broke into the address on Valley Drive, Ilkley, on February 20 but had little recollection of committing the offence, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Seed, 33, of Collyer View, Leeds Road, Ilkley, pleaded guilty to entering the ground floor flat as a trespasser with intent to steal.

The court heard that a concerned neighbour raised the alarm when they saw the broken window at the unoccupied address.

Police attended at the scene and found muddy footprints below the damaged window and inside the property.

The court was told that nothing was stolen. Seed left the television set and a phone at the flat and also his blood on the window frame.

He made no comment when he was arrested and questioned by the police.

Seed had 11 previous convictions for 33 offences, including 20 theft-related matters and a burglary at an office building.

His barrister, James Littlehales, said he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

He had little memory of the offence because he was taken to hospital that day in a coma.

Mr Littlehales said there was a background of Class A drugs misuse to Seed’s offending. He began to take illicit substances in 2016 because of loss of family members.

Seed had previously completed a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement as part of a court sentence and was willing to engage with the probation service.

Mr Littlehales urged the court to draw back from an immediate custodial sentence. He said Seed had voluntarily tackled his drugs misuse and there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

He was the carer for his grandmother who was in court to support him. The court heard that she was in her 80s and had COPD. She relied on him for tasks such as shopping and gardening.

Mr Littlehales said Seed had never been to custody before and the prospect of being locked up had been a powerful influence on him.

Judge Ahmed Nadim sentenced Seed to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He must undertake a Drugs Rehabilitation Requirement for nine months and attend 20 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service.

Judge Nadim said he was giving him the opportunity to show that he was capable of leading a responsible and law-abiding life.