A burglar astonished a judge by stealing a heavy ornamental griffin from a shop.
The raid prompted Judge Roger Chapple to comment: "This is one of the most pointless burglaries to come before this court."
John Webb, 19, smashed the front window at Pavilion Hills, Station Road, Westcliff, and grabbed the snarling griffin, valued at £350 and weighing about 80lb.
Webb, of Oakfield Road, Benfleet, was eventually trapped by DNA tests.
He pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to burglary, ordered to work 150 hours' community service and told to pay £525 costs.
Published Tuesday July 13, 2004
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