Independent carpet store Jeff Taylor Carpets has been the victim of an attempted break in.

Workington Magistrates’ Court heard how Carl Wilkinson, and another male, tried to break into the Workington-based business on 22 June 2022 at 1am using a screwdriver.

The pair were caught by a police constable in an unmarked vehicle after hearing the sound of “metal clanking” at the premises.

Mr Wilkinson was later arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary.

The court heard that the defendant had “quite a lengthy record”, which included dishonesty-related offences, while the defence stated that the attempt “wasn’t successful”.

Mr Wilkinson pleaded guilty to going equipped for burglary and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with nine months of drugs rehabilitation work and 15 rehabilitation requirement days. He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.