February 26, 2001 11:46: A GAS engineer who was so high on drink and drugs that he could not remember committing a burglary was sentenced to community service.

Brian Maton, 25, who pleaded guilty to the break-in at Milton Avenue, Gerrards Cross, was said to be "absolutely shocked and disgusted with himself", according to his lawyer Graham Pottinger at Aylesbury Crown Court on February 16.

Mr Pottinger told the court that Maton, of Laurel Lane, West Drayton, had turned to drink and drugs, consumed at a catastrophic rate, after his girlfriend had left him.

He added that there had since been some form of reconciliation, and that the offence was an isolated incident.

Prosecutor Jane Alt said the crime was discovered by a neighbour of the burglary victim who was away at the time, and then some blood found splattered at the scene was matched to the defendant's.

Maton admitted to stealing a £500 TV and video system in January last year.

Miss Alt said that £465 worth of damage had been caused to doors, and the total cost of the burglary to the victim was £1,060, which Maton was ordered to reimburse as well as being sentenced to 100 hours community service and a 12 month probation order.

Judge Roger Connor told the defendant that he had escaped prison "by the skin of his teeth".