Two teenagers got drunk and decided to break into sheds at an allotments in Grantham with the aim of making money to spend on more alcohol.
Callum Nash, of Harrowby Road, Grantham, and Billy Wright of Castlegate, Grantham, admitted stealing a claw hammer from one allotment plot and committing burglary with intent to steal at 19 other plots - all in Princess Drive in Grantham.
The pair, both 19, broke into some sheds late at night using the claw hammer but found others unlocked. However, they left the allotments with only the claw hammer.
Giles Tyas, defending Nash, said: “They ran out of alcohol so the idea came to them that they would go out and get some things to sell to buy more alcohol.
“It was a peculiar plan - who is going to be around to buy these items?”
The pair also admitted stealing two bikes from the garden of a home in Belton Avenue.
Rob Arthur, defending Wright, said: “They seemed to think it would be a good idea to hop on and cycle back to where they came from.
“I think in the evidence it says the owners of the bike followed the tyre tracks to the address. So clearly it was an ill-conceived plan.”
Chair of magistrates Ian McDonnell said: “What do you think the consequences are of stealing these bikes? You don’t know how they have acquired these bikes - they could have saved up all their money.
“Don’t just assume some sugar-daddy has come along.”
Both Mr Arthur and Mr Tyas said their clients showed a great deal of remorse for their actions. They said the defendants were very drunk at the time of the offences.
Mr McDonnell said: “We will not accept drink was to blame. Lots of people go out and get drunk but don’t go out and start thieving. So don’t blame drink.”
Mr McDonnell held up a print-out of the teens’ criminal record.
He added: “This print-out is now with you for life. Crimes get spent but they are always recorded and for the rest of your life you will have a blot on your record.”
Nash and Wright were both sentenced to a six-month community order and 100 hours’ unpaid work. They must also pay £42.50 in costs and a £60 surcharge each.
