A BRIDGWATER man who burgled his neighbour has been given a 'last chance' and spared a prison sentence.

Marcus Jones, aged 27 from Dukes Mead in Bridgwater was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday, August 29.

Jones was charged with one count of burglary in which he stole alcohol from a neighbour's home in the early hours of the morning, making off with bottles of beer, wine and Prosecco as well as a petrol strimmer.

The second instance involved the theft of a mountain bike worth £296 from a neighbour's garden.

During the hearing a victim impact statement from one of the victims was read out.

The victim said: "Last year I lost my son in a road traffic accident.

"This burglary has exacerbated my problems. I struggle to sleep since the incident and finding out the man who did it lives opposite has made things worse.

"I am scared to go on holiday or leave the house for a long period for fear of anything dear to me being taken."

Speaking for the prosecution, William Hunter highlighted that Jones had a history of burglary and robbery, although this was his first such offence since 2013.

A probation officer in court outlined how Jones blamed his behaviour on his alcohol addiction, and estimated he had been consuming as much as 45 units a day.

The probation officer said he appeared remorseful, and recommended Jones be given a community order rather than a custodial sense to give him a chance of rehabilitation.

Defending, Harry Ahuja said Jones had detoxed since being remanded in custody and wanted to work toward a better life.

Judge David Ticehurst explained that because this was Jones 'third strike' for burglary, he was eligible to serve a 876 day sentence, however he opted to give the 27-year-old a 'last and final chance' to turn his life around.

"You have two children you say you love very much, but I do not think you really care about them," Judge Ticehurst said.

"You knew that if you behaved in the way you did you could go to prison and that would stop you playing a part in your children's lives."

From the dock, Jones said he was 'willing to do anything' for his kids.

Judge Ticehurst continued: "You could miss birthdays and Christmases, and what would happen when you were released?

"Do you think they would want to see an alcoholic burglar?

"Not much of a life, is it?

"My immediate reaction is that you deserve to be locked up, but I am persuaded that if I give you one final chance and you take it, it will be of benefit to your children and to society."

Judge Ticehurst sentenced Jones to a 24 month Community Order, ordering to undertake unpaid work and engage with Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service regularly.

"You will comply with all the requirements of the order and do what your probation officer tells you," Judge Ticehurst said.

"Your very first slip up and you will serve two and a half years in jail."

Jones was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation and an £85 victim surcharge.