(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A man took part in an overnight burglary during which the thieves tried to steal two vehicles.
Liam Duckling, then 19, and two younger teens repeatedly returned to a house in Surtees Terrace, Ferryhill, while the householders slept upstairs on April 26, 2025.
They first broke in at 2.17am, then returned with bolt croppers and tried to steal a Kawasaki motorcycle and Kia Ceed parked outside.
The trio stole vehicle keys, a wallet, cash, motorcycle equipment and tools worth several hundred pounds, Durham Crown Court heard.
Liam Duckling was involved in group break-in at house in Ferryhill, in April last year, targeting motorbike outside (Image: Durham Constabulary)
Prosecutor Anthony Pettengell said the ex-serviceman who lived there was “absolutely furious” about the burglary.
The victim said he had worked all his life, including in the Army, to afford belongings such as his motorbike, while his wife was left terrified in case the intruders might return.
Duckling, now 21, of Osborne Terrace, Ferryhill, admitted burglary, theft and attempted theft.
The cases against his two younger co-defendants were sent to the youth court.
Duckling was said to have two previous offences, escaping from lawful custody and breaching a community order, for which he has since served a five-month prison sentence.
Duckling's barrister Caoimhe Bicknell told the court he was mixing with the “wrong crowd” at the time and his five-month prison sentence served since been, “an eye-opener” for him.
She said he had moved from his former home and has been living back with his mother in a more settled, protective setting, away from the “negative peer group” with whom he previously mixed.
Miss Bicknell said he was remorseful and appeared to have undergone, “a change in attitude”.
She added that he had previously led “something of a transient lifestyle” but now has some stability.
Recorder Richard Wright said Duckling and his “little gang” targeted the house that night.
“You entered the property and took items including keys, with the aim of stealing the motorcycle outside.
“You also took a wallet with cash, motorbike equipment, tools, and the victim lost at least £795 as well as the time and effort mending the damage to the house and the motorbike.
“Unlike you, he’s worked hard, including serving in the armed forces, to save money to buy things like his motorbike.
“What he didn’t expect was you and your little gang coming along at night and entering his property intent on stealing items.”
Recorder Wright said the threat of confrontation could be terrifying for burglary victims.
But he accepted Duckling was only 19 at the time, had since served five months in prison and was now living with his mother in a more settled home.
He imposed a 27-month sentence but said those factors just allowed him to suspend it for 18 months.
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Duckling must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work during the 18-month suspension.
Recorder Wright told him: “I’m giving you this chance, but it’s a last chance opportunity.
"The sentence will be hanging over you for 18 months and if you don’t abide by the order I’ll be seeing you again and it won’t be a happy day for you, as you’ll be going to custody.”