A man attempted to use a screwdriver to break into a carpet shop compound - but was caught by police.

Carl Wilkinson, 41, was seen walking with a male in Workington at 1am on June 22, by a police constable in an unmarked vehicle.

Workington Magistrates' Court heard that Wilkinson and the male had crossed the road to behind Jeff Taylor's carpet shop and had gone to a compound, over the road from the shop.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said the police officer heard the sound of "metal clanking" and he had got out of the vehicle. 

Ms Ward said the men were trying to tamper with the lock on the gate to the compound. The other male appeared to be lookout for Wilkinson and was heard saying, "don't bother, there's cameras".

The police constable had called for back-up. The men had then walked off towards Fisher Street. 

Police officers arrived on the scene and detained Wilkinson, who had a screwdriver in his possession. He was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary. 

Ms Ward said the defendant had "quite a lengthy record", which included dishonesty-related offences.

John Cooper, defending, said: "Any attempt to get in wasn't successful. If it was a choice of tool, it was a very poor choice."

Mr Cooper said the compound is used to keep cars in, to stop them getting damaged on the road and no money was kept in there.

He described it as a "brief attempt" to unlock the padlock.

Wilkinson, of Clifton Lodge, Great Clifton, Workington, pleaded guilty to going equipped for burglary.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with nine months of drugs rehabilitation work and 15 rehabilitation requirement days. 

Wilkinson was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. 
An order was made for the screwdriver to be forfeited and destroyed.