A BUMBLING burglar was caught out when the owner of the TV he was stealing saw him carrying it down her street.

Anthony Beardmore, of Brendon Avenue, Orford was spotted with the 43 inch LCD Samsung TV, worth £2,000, by Lynne Bradish, who was described as having known the defendant for many years.

Warrington Crown Court heard on Friday once he had been cornered by Miss Bradish he said he would get the TV back for her if she did not tell the police.

Peter Hussey, prosecuting, said: “She saw the defendant in the street with a large TV in his hands and as she drew nearer it appeared to be similar to the one she believed was secure in her house on Dean Crescent.

“She became suspicious when the defendant spotted her and ran away.”

The owner quickly went home and realised the TV had gone and her windows had been opened.

Knowing Beardmore well, she went to a friend’s house and found him there where he apologised and tried to persuade her not to call the police.

Mr Hussey added: “She didn’t believe she would get the TV back and officers found at her home a cigarette end and finger prints which matched the defendant.”

Beardmore was serving a community order at the time and had been in custody for 44 days since he had been arrested.

Tammy Mitchell, defending, said he had completed a mechanics course during his time in jail.

Judge Nicholas Woodward sentenced him to 10 weeks imprisonment which meant he would be released having already spent time in custody.

He added Beardmore had expressed remorse.