A sleepy burglar caught taking a nap at the crime scene has been jailed.
David Unsworth, 38, broke into the Great Coffee café on Newcastle quayside before rummaging through the till, reports the Chronicle Live.
But following breaks to eat crisps and drink Newcastle Brown Ale, Unsworth fell asleep and ended up being spotted by police.
Newcastle city centre chief inspector Steve Wykes said: “The fact he was fast asleep made it pretty easy for us to detain him but I guess committing a burglary can be tiring work."
Unsworth, of Denmark Street, Gateshead, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (October 15) where he admitted burglary of a business premises.
He was handed an eight-week prison sentence for that offence but was also sentenced for a string of outstanding matters, bringing his total jail time to 30 weeks.
The court heard that Unsworth smashed the window of the city centre café to gain access at around 4am on Monday.
After going through the till and consuming snacks and alcohol, he decided to lie down on a bench and snoozed off.
Later that morning a police officer spotted the smashed window and went to investigate.
Discovering Unsworth fast asleep, the officer took the intoxicated thief into custody.
Mr Wykes said: “The officers on patrol were very proactive and when they saw something that didn’t look quite right they acted.
“It may seem comical but it was down to their vigilance that they were able to find Unsworth inside the premises.
“The fact he was fast asleep made it pretty easy for us to detain him but I guess committing a burglary can be tiring work.
“He is spending time behind bars where he will be able to enjoy as much sleep as he wants from now on.
“I want to praise those officers who attended for taking quick action that could ultimately have prevented financial loss to that business.
“I hope their actions gives the public confidence that the city is in safe hands.”
For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.
