February 14, 2001 9:37: A BUNGLING burglar, driving from the scene of a break-in, was caught by police because he had not been able to shut his car boot properly, a court heard.

Officers pulled over Neil James in Gerrards Cross after they spotted the handlebars of a petrol-driven lawnmower sticking out of his car.

The 30-year-old was then arrested on suspicion of burglary and after police recognised him as a disqualified driver.

James, of St Paul's Crescent, Camden, London, pleaded guilty at Wycombe Magistrates Court to driving while disqualified and to burgling a garage at a house in Orchehill Avenue, Gerrards Cross, on Christmas Eve last year.

He appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court for sentencing on Friday.

Richard Sothcott, prosecuting, said James was stopped by police driving through Gerrards Cross less than an hour after committing the burglary.

He added that stolen property to the value of £980 was recovered and that James has a number of previous convictions. He also told the court that James had previously been banned from driving ten times including five times since October 1999.

Nikki Duncan, defending, said James' crimes were linked to his drug addiction.

She added that James had driven to Gerrards Cross on Christmas Eve to steal something he could sell.

Judge Daniel Rodwell jailed James for 15 months for the burglary and gave him another six months concurrently for driving while disqualified. He also imposed a 12-month driving ban.