A burglar broke into a home, let his friends in and then held an all-night party.

John Atkins smashed a window of the Chelmsford home, climbed in and then let in the two men and two women. He raided the kitchen and found two bottles of wine, which they drank.

The group trashed one of the bedrooms and also took men's clothing and a portable television.

Atkins, 19, of George Street, Chelmsford, admitted burglary between February 7 and 9 when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He has a previous conviction for being drunk and disorderly, and has a reprimand from the Metropolitan Police for criminal damage.

Joanne Eley, mitigating, said her client was not heavily convicted and had co-operated with the police.

She added: "This man has a chance to change his ways and live a normal life."

Judge Charles Gratwicke sentenced Atkins to nine months in prison.

Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

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