A THIEF who burgled two properties and used stolen bank cards has narrowly escaped jail, with a judge telling him it was “his last chance”.

Joshua Philpott had previously admitted two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation and a single charge of theft from a dwelling when he appeared in court in November.

Lee Egan, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, said the burglaries had happened over two days, November 22 and 23.

Mr Egan said Philpott had broken into two properties at the YMCA in Henwick Road, where he lived.

He said that, in the first burglary, the 24-year-old stole two bikes, two televisions, aftershave and a wallet, and in the second he took a camera worth £350 and a passport.

Mr Egan said the victim of the second burglary, Theresa Vancouver, had told the police that the thought of someone being in her home was “really unnerving”, and she added that as the passport was not recovered, she would have to get a replacement.

The prosecutor said the bank card theft had happened when Philpott stole a wallet from Bradley Edmonds who was sleeping on the floor at a friend's property, after they all went out for a night out.

The cards were used to make two purchases in Sainsbury’s in Foregate Street, and were returned to the wallet before Mr Edmonds had noticed them missing.

But, Mr Egan said, the victim realised what had happened after he had texts on his phone about the purchases, and he noticed the bank cards were not in the usual order he had them in his wallet.

Mr Egan said Mr Edmonds also told police Philpott had tools that were used to carry out the burglaries, and he was offered the stolen items for sale, including the bikes.

“He declined (buying them),” Mr Egan said. "But he allowed him to use his phone, to sell the items on Facebook. Mr Edmonds showed police the adverts.”

Mr Egan added Philpott’s previous convictions included assault of an emergency worker and common assault.

Jason Aris, defending, said Philpott, who appeared via videolink from HMP Hewell, had been in custody over Christmas and was expecting an immediate jail sentence.

Mr Aris said: “He is remorseful. He is extremely sorry for what he did.”

Mr Aris said Philpott’s life had spiralled after his baby brother was found drowned in a bath at his home.

“It damaged him mentally,” Mr Aris said.

“He worked in a garage, they let him go. He did cash in hand jobs. Eventually he sought solace at the bottom of a bottle.”

Mr Aris said Philpott later began taking crack cocaine and cocaine, and after he tried to take his own life he was sectioned.

His solicitor appealed to the judge to take into account the tragic circumstances, and be “as lenient as possible”.

Sentencing him, Judge Nicolas Cartwright said he took into account Philpott had been equipped (with tools) to carry out the burglaries, and his previous convictions, but said he could suspend the eight-month prison sentence for two years.

The judge said: “You should understand you have been given a chance today and you should grasp it. If you find yourself back in front of the criminal courts, you won’t be given any more chances.”

READ MORE: 'Cannot thank staff enough' praise for hospital staff after parish council chairman's heart attack

READ MORE: 'You deserve better' - appeal for women to leave abusive relationships behind