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Saturday 7th August 2010

A serial burglar from Warminster has been sent to jail after attempting to burgle a house while drunk and smoking cannabis.

Andrew Fodey, of Alcock Crest, was given a 30-month prison sentence for attempted burglary and possession of cannabis at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

Fodey, 21 at the time of the offence but now 22, had already pleaded guilty to the offences at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court on July 1.

Swindon Crown Court head on Friday it was his sixth conviction for burglary.

Robin Sherwood, prosecuting, said: “At 1.45am on the morning of May 26, Mr Fodey was seen in the garden of 11 Delamere Road, Trowbridge.

“He was seen to lift a window and was then approached by a concerned neighbour.

“Mr Fodey, who was obviously intoxicated, said it was his grandmother’s house and he was trying to get in.”

The court heard that Mr Fodey was smoking a joint of cannabis at the time, which he offered to the neighbour, who refused.

Alex Daymond, defending, said the prison system needed to do more to help those with drink problems, such as his client.

“This is a defendant who has a serious alcohol problem and for whom prison has not worked,” he said.

“There is very little in prison for people with alcohol-related problems.

“The defendant came out of custody and got drunk and committed a further offence.”

Before sentencing, Judge Douglas Field told Fodey: “This is your sixth conviction of burglary.

“You’re only 22 and at some stage pretty quickly you’ve got to get a grip of your life.”

Ear

Bongme