A County Durham burglar who raided the home of an Army veteran while armed with a knife has avoided prison. Liam Duckling, 21, was with two other men when he took part in a targeted night-time burglary.
Duckling stole belongings including motorcycle clothing, cash and tools during the break-in. A court heard that the burglary took place on April 25 last year while the homeowner and his wife were at the property.
Court sentencing and details of the offence
On Friday, Duckling, of Osborne Terrace, Ferryhill, appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for burglary, theft, attempted theft and possession of a blade. The 21-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offences.
The court heard that Duckling and two other men "targeted" a home in Ferryhill and were seen on CCTV entering the house around six times. Anthony Pettingell, prosecuting, said Duckling carried a knife to the burglary and the homeowner's car was also "accessed".
Judge's remarks and victim impact
Recorder Richard Wright said: "You targeted the home of [the victim] who was at home with his wife. You went in the dark and took weapons, not to use but to use in order to steal. You entered the house and took property including keys for a motorbike outside, a wallet with cash and motorbike equipment."
The court heard that the break-in cost the homeowner around £795, with damage also being caused to his motorbike. Recorder Wright added that a burglary can be a "terrifying experience for householders". In a victim statement, the homeowner, who previously served in the Army, said he was left "furious" at the crime. He added that his wife has been left "terrified the burglars will come back".
Defence and sentence
The court heard Duckling had two previous convictions for two offences and went on to serve a five month prison sentence for separate matters following the burglary. Caoimhe Bicknell, defending, said his experience of custody was "very sobering" and found it "extremely difficult".
She said: "His mother is a very stable and positive influence on him. At the time of the offences he was 19-years-old and going through a difficult period. He was associating with a negative peer group and abusing cannabis. He had recently moved to the Durham area after a breakdown in the relationship with his mum, removing him from that support network. He is back living with his mum, and it is having an extremely positive effect."
Recorder Wright sentenced Duckling to 27 months prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work.
