Four people have been sentenced after admitting jointly burgling a house in Christian Road, Douglas, stealing items worth more than £4,000.

Kyle Michael Hardy, aged 18, of Glen Darragh Road, Glen Vine, and Claire Maria Keig, aged 39, of Demesne Road, Douglas, were both sentenced to a two year probation order.

Simon David Lomax, aged 35, of Demesne Road, Douglas, was sentenced to 180 hours of community service, to be completed in 12 months.

John Martin Booker, aged 26, of Clifton Terrace, was given a combination order, of 12 months probation and 80 hours community service.

All four were ordered to pay £75 compensation for damaged items and £125 prosecution costs each.

The four raided the house on May 14 during the day time while the owners were on a lengthy holiday.

They denied forcing entry to the house, saying that the door was already open.

The four admitted taking items such as jewellery, passports, ornaments, a pendant on a 14 carot gold chain, three watches, and collectible coins and pictures.

An antique desk was also damaged during the raid.

Defending Hardy, advocate Stephen Wood said: ’Obviously it’s a serious offence, a domestic burglary. My client, for his part, removed two dolphin ornaments and a £50 note in a plastic seal, and a bottle of whiskey. But it doesn’t matter what he took really as it is a joint enterprise burglary so he accepts being involved in everything.

’He didn’t see what the others were taking at the time. The items taken were surrendered to police at his home address. He has changed his circle of friends and is now in employment. There has been a reference to Motiv8 (the alcohol advisory service) and he is willing to engage with them.’

Jim Travers, defending Lomax, said: ’It is an important feature that the property was knowingly entered while unoccupied. The owner was on a lengthy holiday. There was on danger of confrontation. We are talking about a 15 bedroom property which has since been sold for £70,000, which gives an idea of the condition it was in.

’The offence was opportunistic, there would not have to be a ringleader as there was no pre-meditation. It is accepted Mr Lomax is a more mature individual as far as years go, nevertheless it’s clear from the probation report he has struggled to make adjustments since moving to the island some years ago. He has addressed his alcohol usage and it is down to one or two days a week, and he has reduced his overall intake.’

Michael Mudge, representing Booker, said: ’My client had a difficult upbringing. He came to the island for a new start and was largely successful. He has been employed for a number of years but health means he is unable to work at present. He has some mental health difficulties. It’s clear he’s become mixed up in the wrong crowd and no longer associates with his co-defendants. He has started doing voluntary work with Graih.

Keig was represented by Deborah Myerscough, who had obtained a psychiatric report relating to her client.

’We don’t intend to go into the report’s detail in open court,’ said Ms Myerscough. ’It was a day time burglary of an unoccupied property. Ms Keig was very forthcoming with the police and gave a full and frank admission. The psychatrist’s report refers to a matter shortly before the offence which we would ask you to take into account. Because of her difficulties she has a very short attention span and not the best memory. She has support in court today.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’The house was not occupied at the time of the burglary and it was committed during the day time. Nonetheless there was a large quantity of property taken between you, including personal items such as jewellery and passports. I sentence you on the basis it was a joint enterprise, which means you each take responsibility for the whole offence.

’I note alcohol played a role and it was a spur of the moment decision.’