Steven Henderson burgled home in Teme Road, Worcester

Steven Henderson even met the homeowner and tried to claim he had found his items in the street. 

Worcester Magistrates Court heard Henderson committed the burglary in Teme Road, Worcester, on July 27 this year - the day of his 40th birthday. 

Owen Beale said the victim returned home at 5.20pm to be met by a man who said he had found his wallet and bank card in the street. 

The prosecutor said the homeowner spoke to the defendant for a couple of minutes before going into the property to find it ransacked with his living room and bedroom "turned over". 

COURT: Steven Henderson leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)Magistrates heard the front door to the property had been closed but unlocked at the time of the crime.

Mr Beale said among the items stolen were car keys and bank cards, and £1,000 in cash - Henderson using the homeowner's stolen rucksack to carry items out. 

"He (the victim) checked CCTV and saw the same man he met at the door coming up to his property at 3.20pm," the prosecutor said.

"In interview he (Henderson) accepted he was guilty but could not explain why (he committed the offence)."

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Henderson, who had previous convictions including for carrying a bladed article, admitted the offence of burglary dwelling and theft - no violence. 

Barry Newton, defending, said: "It was committed on impulse. 

"It was his 40th birthday. He suffers from bipolar - he had stopped taking his medication and had been drinking on the day."

The solicitor said Henderson's mental health explained his bizarre actions, including talking and returning stolen items to the victim.

BURGLARY: Steven Henderson burgled a property in Teme Road, Worcester (Image: Google)

Mr Newton added Henderson was now taking his medication and highlighted the probation service had assessed him as having a low risk of reoffending.

Elaine Bell, chairperson of the magistrates bench, said: "It goes without saying this was a very serious crime."

The chairperson said a victim having to find somebody had been in their home stealing was "deplorable". 

COURT: Steven Henderson appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

The defendant was given an 18-month community order with a requirement to complete 35 rehabilitation activity days. 

Henderson, of Whittington Road, Worcester, was fined £50 and ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim. 

Magistrates agreed the total, £1,050, could be deducted from his benefits. 

The chairperson told Henderson he had to comply with his community order and failure to do so could see him brought back to court. 

The case was heard at the court on Tuesday, (November 7).