A couple returned from a weekend away to find their son had broken into their house.
Craig Sutherland was asleep in the house in St Giles Close, Maldon, after he had removed some slates from the roof to get in. Chelmsford Crown Court heard how he stole £100 and a credit card during the incident last August.
Sutherland, 27, was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge it was an "unusual case".
He admitted a charge of burglary when he appeared in court for sentence and was given a two-year drug treatment and testing order.
The court heard Sutherland, of Selwyn Road, Plaistow, went to his parents' home over the weekend of August 27-30 and removed some roof tiles to get in.
When his parents returned, they found him asleep, the court heard.
Christopher Kerr, prosecuting, said Sutherland had drug problems but was making efforts to give up the habit. Since he has been in custody, he had remained drug free, Mr Kerr said.
Recorder John Foy QC told Sutherland burglary usually resulted in prison sentences but there were "unusual circumstances here".
Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005
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