Burglar 'looking for water after drug use'

Billy Jake Zaremba, who had no previous convictions for burglary, conceded if he had found something to steal he would have taken it but before he could do so he was confronted by the terrified householder.

The 65-year-old had been disturbed by a noise while sitting in the living room at her detached home in Quarry Hill Lane, Wetherby, on June 21 but could not make out where it came from, so checked upstairs.

John Bull, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday she then went downstairs and saw Zaremba on the other side of a glass door, leading to the utility room, which had a smashed pane.

She immediately screamed and went out to phone the police. Zaremba fled but was traced because he had cut himself on the glass and was identified from DNA in his blood.

When arrested he said he had been with friends and was under the influence of the drug known as MCat and needed water.

Susannah Proctor, for Zaremba, said he acted under the influence of the drug and now realised how stupid he had been taking it.

He had not taken drugs since and was extremely remorseful for his actions.

Zaremba, 18 of Belle View Avenue, Leeds, admitted burglary with intent to steal and was given a community order with 12 months of supervision, attendance on a substance-related offending programme, 150 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay 150 compensation and 50 costs.

Recorder Carl Gumsley said burglars were normally jailed and it was only his lack of convictions, remorse and his decision to stay clear of drugs that had saved him from that.