A BURGLAR who smashed his way into a closed pub and stole cash and spirits told a court it was ‘a spur of the moment thing’.

Anthony Weaver, 57, passed the front of the closed Lifeboat Inn in Maryport in the early hours of Saturday, August 31, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant entered the rear yard a short while later and threw a large planter through the door. After entering the pub, he pulled the cash drawer from the till and took the cash, along with three bottles of spirits from behind the bar. He also attempted to take the juke box from the wall.

Weaver then left with the cash and spirits. There was about £200 in the till. CCTV footage of the incident was provided to the police and officers identified the defendant.

The following morning, Weaver was wearing the same trousers and shoes as in the CCTV footage.

The defendant made full admissions in interview. He said he was homeless and ‘down on his luck’. He said he threw a plant through the window and took a bottle of Malibu, Captain Morgan and malt whisky. He said he burned the jacket he had been wearing.

At the time of the offence, Weaver said he had only £1.43 in his bank account.

Ms Fee said the defendant had a number of dishonesty offences on his record.

Weaver, who was not legally represented in court, said: “It was a spur of the moment thing. If I could say sorry to the people I did it to, I would, but I can’t.

“I got burgled, to start with. I got evicted from my flat. I had nowhere to live. I was living in a tent.

“I have done it. I have got to hold my hands up. It was just one of those things. I don’t drink. I have been off drugs for nearly three years.

“If I go to jail, then it’s done with. I have done what I have done. I will pay the price for it.”

The defendant, of Mountain View, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Weaver was also ordered to pay £720 in compensation.