A burglar was seen to climb out of a window with a laptop that contained the personal information of children from a local playgroup, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told the item was never recovered after the burglar took it from his partner’s house.
Paul Wood, prosecuting, said the defendant had denied the burglary. He failed to turn up for a trial and was convicted in his absence after a postman said he recognised him as the person he had seen clambering through a window with the lap top.
“The lap top belonged to his partner’s sister who used it on behalf of a local playgroup,” he said.
“The house had been left secure after a visit by the defendant who made his way back in through a window which the complainant believes he left ajar. “
The 21 year old from Lincoln denied burglary but admitted failing to surrender to custody on July 14.
Roisin McCaffrey, representing, said the young dad was now back with his partner who was expecting another child.
“Because of this he is anxious to get this matter resolved. He handed himself in to police knowing this matter was outstanding. If he had come on the day, he would have admitted theft,” she said.
Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order on him. He is required to spend six months in alcohol treatment. He also has a four month curfew order and will be electronically tagged and he has to pay £479 to the Playgroup.