A man who was seen twice propping a ladder against a residential property has been sentenced to community service and probation.

Brendan Shaw Creer admitted attempted burglary with intent to steal.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood ordered the 23-year-old to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work and imposed a 12-month probation order.

He must also pay £125 prosecution costs.

The court heard that the incident took place on January 30, when the complainant became aware of Creer’s behaviour outside a residential property.

The woman reported seeing Creer placing a ladder against an outside wall of the building during the evening.

She shouted at him, prompting him to remove the ladder and walk away.

However, during the early hours, the complainant reported hearing noises outside the property, including rattling metal and voices.

She looked outside and saw that the ladder had been placed against the wall again, prompting her to call 999.

Police subsequently recovered fingerprints matching Creer’s from inside the property, providing further evidence in connection with the attempted burglary offence.

During his police interview, Creer provided a prepared statement in which he said he had previously been inside the property because he knew its owner.

Defence advocate Helen Lobb said Creer’s recollection of events on the day was impaired by intoxication, although he accepted the account presented.

Ms Lobb said considerable time had passed since the incident and there had been no further offending.

She said her client had used that time to engage with the Drug and Alcohol Team and reduce his alcohol consumption.

The Deputy High Bailiff told Creer: ‘Your actions have had the consequences of frightening the residents of the property.’

Creer will pay the prosecution costs at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from his benefits.