‘House tension’ led to burglaries

Marcus Luigi Coda, 18, of Skinners Lane, Catsfield, broke into two rooms at an address in Devonshire Road, Hastings, on March 12, following a dispute between himself and two other men.

Coda stole stereo speakers and DVDs, worth a combined total of £210, from one room, and damaged property in the second room, including a printer worth £80.

Coda was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with one count of burglary and one count of burglary with intent to cause damage.

He had pleaded guilty to both offences at a previous hearing at Hastings Magistrates Court.

Coda also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge, which was imposed for 12 months following a conviction for theft in September.

Mark Glendenning, defending, said: “Mr Coda had been a resident at a room at the address in Devonshire Road.

“There had been some history between various residents and some difficulties.

“Mr Coda said he simply lost his temper.

“He had trouble before and wanted to get some sort of retribution.”

Following a favourable probation report, which described Coda’s actions as ‘out of character’, magistrates sentenced Coda to a 12 month community order, which will include 200 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £80 compensation to the victim and £50 court costs.

Magistrates decided to take no action on the breach of the conditional discharge.