"INEPT" burglars broke into a flat and stole a music system and video to pay back debts the inhabitants owed their friend.

Christian Bonas and Kyle Robinson kicked down the door of the flat in St Paul's Street, Worcester, and took a video recorder, hi-fi system and remote control.

They were going to sell the goods to drum up money they said the couple owed, Worcester magistrates heard.

The couple, a man and a woman, came back to the flat to find the electrical goods had vanished, and called the police.

Robinson and Bonas, both aged 21, were arrested.

Stephen Harris, prosecuting, said Robinson led the officers to another flat where the stolen goods had been stashed.

"They stole the property with an idea to recover the owed money," said Mr Harris.

"They kicked the door in."

Barry Newton, defending Robinson, said both defendants had admitted their part in the crime.

"My client's concerned about his dependency on heroin," said Mr Newton.

"He was prescribed Valium a few weeks ago, but is currently not on medication.

"He's terrified of imprisonment - it fills him with dread.

"Robinson knew the property was empty. The entry could only have lasted a couple of seconds.

"There was no damage done in the property, no ransacking or soiling."

Mr Newton said the money lent to the occupants could be ill-afforded, and a note was left to warn them that the men would be round to collect it.

"The person wasn't there, so they broke through the door," said Mr Newton

"In the realms of burglary, this is the lowest sort on the scale.

"It's unsophisticated and inept.

"They went into the complex noisily, it would have attracted the interest of other occupants."

David Jackson, defending Bonas, claimed his client was not a prime mover in the burglary.

"He doesn't have a drug problem, but he has a problem with alcohol," said Mr Jackson.

"He's gravely remorseful about what he's done.

"He's got debts of £17,500 and is dismayed to find himself in this position."

Bonas and Robinson, of Charland Court, Droitwich, admitted burglary.

Magistrates ordered Robinson to serve 240 hours community punishment, pay £118 court costs and £75 costs towards the damage done to the door.

Magistrates gave Bonas a 24-month rehabilitation order and told him to pay £118 court costs and £75 compensation for the door.