A 49-YEAR-OLD who burgled a city Airbnb came very close to being sent to prison.
Instead, Shahid Khan, of Lansdowne Street, Worcester, was able to walk free from Worcester Magistrates Court at the end of his hearing on Thursday (November 2).
Tom Wickstead, prosecuting, said at 2.40pm on September 7 this year the people renting the accommodation in Upper Tything returned after a day out.
The pair noticed damage to the door and items missing, reporting the burglary to the owners.
Mr Wickstead said among the items stolen were a Sekonda watch, ear pods, soap and a grey laundry basket.
The prosecutor said the renters decided to cut their stay short as: "they didn't feel safe to stay another night".
Khan, who pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary dwelling and theft - no violence, was represented in court by Jason Patel.
Mr Patel explained Khan knew the owners and originally popped in to speak to them but found himself stuck inside.
He said the defendant took the items before climbing out of an open window.
"He has no explanation, his head was all over over the place," Mr Patel said adding the defendant's mental health suffered due to the death of a family member.
The solicitor pointed out the defendant even brought and left a coffee cup, which he had taken into the property, at the scene of the crime.
"He fully admits it," Mr Patel added.
Keith Lloyd-Wright, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "You caused damage to the framework of the front door - £400.
"You then stole an eclectic mix of items."
The chairman said an aggravating feature was Khan's previous convictions.
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Khan was jailed for six months, suspended for 18 months, and told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
The defendant was also ordered to pay £400 compensation to the owners for the damage and £50 to both renters for the "emotional distress" they were caused at the time.
No order for costs was made but Khan was told to pay £154 victim surcharge.
Magistrates agreed the £654 total could be deduced from Khan's benefits.
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