TWO burglars released on bail by a court burgled a hospital as they walked home.
Lee Irving and John William Wilson broke into Lanchester Road Hospital outside Durham City and stole three laptops, Durham Crown Court heard.
“They had appeared at Consett Magistrates’ Court earlier that day,” said Chris Williamson, prosecuting. “That appearance was in connection with a burglary at a Chinese restaurant in Durham City,
“Three laptops valued at £1,800 were taken from the hospital. Two of them were being carried by the defendants when police stopped them as they walked on towards Durham City.
“One of the defendants later showed police where the third laptop was hidden in the grounds of the hospital.”
Wilson, 36, of no fixed abode, and Irving, 21, of West Denton, Newcastle, each admitted burglary on October 15.
Wilson has 50 previous convictions for burglary, and has served more than 30 prison sentences.
His lack of a permanent address makes him unsuitable for community sentences, the court heard.
Lorraine Mustard, for Irving, said: “I have to concede he has made a lot of court appearances recently, but his mother is in court to support him and he wants to turn his life around.
“He has done some work in catering and he hopes to go to college to get formal qualifications.”
Wilson was jailed for six months, and Irving for six months, suspended for two years.
Both defendants were ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.