A BURGLAR caught red-handed breaking into the home of Trowbridge businessman Thomas Rothschild has been sentenced to 100 hours community service.

Michael Burgess was caught loading property into a taxi parked outside Mr Rothschild's home in Staverton.

Burgess, 51, of Heathershaw, Trowbridge, told police he was taking the goods as a result of a "dispute" with Mr Rothschild over a small amount of money.

Prosecutor Stacey Turner told magistrates in Chippenham Mr Rothschild had let Burgess stay with him in Staverton while he looked for permanent accommodation.

After moving out in April, Burgess returned with another man and started loading up a waiting taxi with goods including beer, wine, ornaments, videos and a decorative cow horn.

Mrs Turner said: "Mr Rothschild found the defendant in his premises with another man. The defendant agreed he had been drinking at the time."

Sentencing was deferred at the last hearing for Burgess to receive help for alcohol addiction, find work and stop his offending. Defence solicitor Michael Jeary said his client had taken steps to address these issues.

Burgess admitted one count of burglary. He was also ordered to pay £34 court costs.