A WORKINGTON man who was part of a late-night raid at a building site office with an accomplice has been spared jail.

The barrister representing Sean Ross, 32, said he came from “an unhappy background” which featured mental health difficulties and an as yet unmet need for bereavement counselling.

The defendant admitted burglary.

Prosecutor Isabelle Haddad said the offence came to light when CCTV operators in Workington contacted the police to report suspicious activity at a compound operated by Persimmon Homes in Lakes Road, Workington.

It was reported at 11.25pm on November 20, 2021.

The two males involved were seen running away towards the Salterbeck area. “While at the site, the police found that a padlock had been removed from a gate, giving access to the main office,” said Miss Haddad.

In the office, tools were strewn around on the floor and containers for storing tools had been opened. A pressure washer had also  been removed from one of the containers, said Miss Haddad.

Police brought in a sniffer dog to hunt for the suspects. The defendant was found and searched and was found to carrying a “multi-tool.” Also found was a black bin bag containing electrical devices and copper piping.

Ross’s criminal record consisted of 13 previous offences, but this was the first time he has bee prosecuted for burglary, the court heard.

Brendan Burke, defending, mentioned that the defendant’ co-accused, who was not named in court, had since died.

The barrister said Ross’s long-standing mental health issues had not been addressed and all of his previous offending had been for “trivial” public order offences or driving offences.

“But he is addressing things now,” said Mr Burke.

The barrister mentioned Ross’s need for bereavement counselling and highlighted – though he did not elucidate – the circumstances in which the defendant found his grandfather.

The defendant, of Scafell Avenue, Workington, had now also been offered work at Sellafield in groundworks, said the barrister. “He’s willing to take that on and is very motivated,” added Mr Burke.

The judge in the case, Recorder Julian Shaw, imposed a 12-month community order which will include 40 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.