A MAN who burgled a Nando’s restaurant while under a community order has been sentenced.

Jamie Critchley, of Belvedere Road, Newton-le-Willows, appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 22 for a sentencing hearing.

The 45-year-old had previously indicated a guilty plea to a burglary charge on September 7.

Critchley had entered Nando’s restaurant on Chalon Way West, in St Helens, May 20 this year as a trespasser. He stole items belonging to Nando's along with property belonging to members of staff.

District judge Paul Healey spared the defendant an immediate prison term and suspended his jail sentence.

Critchley was given an eight-week sentence suspended for 12 months.

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A court sheet said that his offence was so serious “that only a custodial sentence can be justified” due to his “previous convictions”, the impact on the victims, and because the burglary was committed while the defendant was on a community order.

However, the court records state that the custodial sentence was suspended because the defendant “now has stable accommodation” and due to his “co-operation in recent months”.

Critchley was ordered to undergo drug rehabilitation for six months. He must also do rehabilitation for up to 20 days.

The 45-year-old was ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

His guilty plea was taken into account upon sentencing.