A 28-year-old man from Southampton has been sentenced following a non-dwelling burglary in Ashurst in September.

Frankie Hunt, of Ennerdale Road, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 September, where he pleaded guilty, and was remanded on conditional bail until his sentencing at the same court on Friday (8 November).

Hunt was handed a 12-month community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £440 in compensation, a £114 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

The sentencing follows a report of burglary at an address on Lyndhurst Road shortly before 1.30am on Monday 9 September.

During the incident, Hunt forced his way into several sheds at the property, causing damage in the process and attempting to steal two electric bikes from within.

The victims were alerted to the incident upon hearing Hunt attempting to angle grind his way through a metal chain which was attached to one of the bikes.

The second bike was taken from another shed, but was thankfully subsequently located in the garden.

Following the report to police, officers were quickly on the scene, and with the help of a police dog handler and his police dog, Blaze, soon apprehended Hunt inside one of the sheds.

Leading the investigation into the burglary, PC Mike Chapman, said: “I am glad Hunt has been held accountable for this crime.

“A lot of hard work went into this case, and I am glad for the victims that Hunt has had to face up to his crime and reflect upon his actions that night.

“Everyone should be able to go to sleep at night without the worry of their residential property or outbuildings being broken into and items stolen.

“I hope this sentence offers others out there the reassurance that we will always work hard to arrest, charge and prosecute offenders.

“This should also send out a very clear message to others thinking of doing similar that we will do all we can to ensure you are brought before the courts.”