Dean Anderson, 20, of Battle Road, St Leonards, and two other men broke into the property in Cambridge Road, Hastings, in May last year.

The trio forced their way in through an insecure window at around 2am.
The occupier, Robert Sample, who knew Dean Anderson as he had moved out of the property only two months before, confronted the men and was punched by Anderson.

The men left the property but Dean Anderson and one of the other men, later returned and stole various items.

All three men were later arrested. A calculator that went missing in the burglary was found in Dean Anderson's pocket at the time of his arrest.

Anderson admitted being in the property but insisted he had not stolen anything.

He claimed he had gone back and broken in to retrieve his own possessions which he had left behind.

He admitted being drunk at the time of the burglary and that he lost his temper when confronted by Mr Sample.

Anderson has previous convictions for criminal damage, shoplifting and failure to surrender to custody.

Anderson's defence barrister, Guy Russell, told Lewes Crown Court: "At the time of the offence Mr Anderson had been attending a college course but had been unable to secure any work placement.

"It was then he fell into drinking and bad company.
"This offence was not committed whilst the defendant was on bail whereas his previous offences were.

"He has heard the clang of the prison door and does not want to go back there again. He has been out of work for some time but he now has a job and is back living with his father.

"He now has work as a cleaner at Pontins on Monday and Friday, and is enthusiastic about doing unpaid work as it will help instil discipline.
"He is still a relatively young man, and he does have some mental difficulties to contend with.

"I would also add that all the items were recovered and he made full and frank admissions at the time of his arrest."
Recorder Nigel Gerald told Anderson: "These are both serious offences with aggravating features.

"You broke into private dwellings and that you previously rented in the property is neither here nor there.
"There was a clear breach of trust as you knew the people who lived there. These types of offences have a serious serious impact on the victim.

"Mr Sample does not feel secure in his own home, which is the reason why these offences are treated very seriously.

"I take into account your guilty plea, albeit late in the day. You are a young man who has had mental difficulties which I am told you are addressing. You have also shown remorse."

Anderson was given a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months, a 12-month supervision order and 175 hours of unpaid work.