A TOTTON man who was part of a gang who broke into a building development near his home has walked free from court after a judge said jailing him would cause suffering to his “demanding” son and his partner who had done nothing wrong.

Luke Bates entered the site in Michigan Way with the others after they had been drinking and stole a hob among other property from a plot.

Prosecutor David Reid told Southampton Crown Court there was evidence from his trainers that he had gone into two other properties and his DNA had been recovered from a crowbar found in a third.

Bates, 28, of Mansergh Court, Totton, admitted burglary and received a six-month suspended sentence with two years supervision.

Recorder Michael Parroy QC noted although he had 29 previous convictions, his last for burglary and dishonesty was ten years ago. After reading references, he said Bates was a good parent and “a vital element” in bringing up his son.

“If you want to go to jail, it’s up to you. But if you want to assist your son and your partner, abide by the terms of this order.”