Prosecutor Catherine Ellis, told Liverpool Crown Court that Stephen Cain, of no fixed address, forced his way into a block of student accommodation on Vine Street on Christmas Day. The 41-year-old managed to get inside the building meant for students through an "unsecure catering door", said Ms Ellis.
Staff didn't realise there had been a break-in until coming back after Christmas when they quickly reviewed CCTV and reported it to the police. It was also discovered that Caine had broken into the bike shed and took a pedal bike that belonged to a student who went home to the Netherlands for Christmas.
When questioned by officers, he claimed the tools were to fix his bike. But, Ms Ellis said that the officers were quick to point out that he didn't have a bike with him and he was arrested. Defending, Olivia Beesley, accepted that her client was heading back to prison due to his criminal record as well as ignoring the terms of his license. She told the court that Caine was made homeless just days before Christmas and had also fallen back into a life of taking heroin.