Man tried to break into Scunthorpe flat to feed cocaine habit

A MAN was caught attempting to break into a flat above Scunthorpe's Ferry Road Club, a court heard.

Gary Hall, 29, of Boughton Avenue, Scunthorpe, admitted a charge of attempted burglary.

Prosecuting at North Lincolnshire Magistrates' Court, Deborah Gibson said the offence happened on January 7.

She said the complainant in the case lived in the flat on Ferry Road.

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He had told a friend to go upstairs and wait for him while he set the alarm in the club.

Miss Gibson said the friend recognised Hall and called the police.

She said Hall told police he planned to break into the flat and look for money to feed his £45-a-day crack cocaine habit.

Mitigating, Richard Lunn said Hall attempted to move some of the seal around a window, but had not actually gained entry to the flat.

He said: "In some ways, Hall can think himself very lucky to have been disturbed.

"If he had got into that flat, he would have been looking at a mandatory three-year prison sentence."

Hall was also charged with failing to surrender to custody at the court when the case was originally listed to be heard on February 7.

Mr Lunn said Hall had miscalculated the date.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, with a 12-month supervision requirement.

Hall was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £60 victims' surcharge.