A MAN tried to take his own life after burgling his best man and neighbour.

John Kelly snuck into his best man’s window in Corn Street, Witney, on July 16 while he knew he was away and stole two laptops and a tablet.

The 47-year-old then tried to take his own life after police attended his home in the same street the next day and found the stolen items.

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He was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (June 13) where he told the court he felt ‘deep remorse’ and is ‘very sorry’ for the offence.

Recorder James Hay sentenced him to a 12-month community order for one count of dwelling burglary.

During the sentencing, it was heard that Kelly had been staying at the victim’s home for about a year before the offence following ‘the breakdown of a relationship’.

Corn Street in Witney Corn Street in Witney (Image: Google) Kelly had since moved out and had called the victim under the pretence of borrowing tools when he discovered the complainant would be out.

He then broke in through a window and stole two HP laptops and a Samsung tablet.

Police caught Kelly after another neighbour revealed they had seen him leaving the victim’s home with a Sainsbury’s bag.

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The victim, in an impact statement read out in court, said: “It made me very angry to know someone who I knew and previously helped has taken advantage of me.

“I’m disappointed in John and what’s he done in taking advantage of my generosity.

“It’s made me feel very uncomfortable and it was hard to relax at home knowing he had rifled through my things.”

Defending Kelly, his barrister explained that her client was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at the time and suffers from ‘complex mental health issues’.

“He is a vulnerable adult,” she said. “It impacts his life and his emotional wellbeing. This would detonate in a custodial setting.”

The court heard he had tried to take his own life after police discovered the burglary and he was hospitalised.

Upon discharge, he sought help from Turning Point, an all-purpose drug and alcohol treatment service.

In a letter to the judge, Kelly wrote: “Committing the burglary is by far the worst thing I have done. I want to express my deepest remorse.

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“I’m very sorry for the pain and distress I’ve caused [the victim].

Kelly will also need to complete up to six rehabilitation activity days and will be subject to a curfew for 30 days.

There was a victim surcharge of £114.

116 123 is the Samaritans helpline number which can be called 24/7.

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