A MAN downed a concoction of alcohol and pills then smashed his way into a garage in an attempt to steal cigarettes.

Paul Henbest broke into Esso, on Bournemouth Road, Chandler’s Ford, in a late night raid.

The incident startled a neighbour who saw a man go into the premises before contacting the police.

When they arrived the 36-year-old came “calmly” out of the shadows.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused, but Henbest was unable to steal any items from the store.

Prosecutor Robert Harding told Southampton Crown Court the incident was almost identical to another burglary which took place at the garage just the week before.

During interview, Henbest repeatedly denied carrying out the attack and answered no comment to other questions posed by officers.

The court heard Henbest had been previously convicted 22 times, for 79 offences, a record described by Rebecca Austin, mitigating, as “appalling”.

She said Henbest, who works as a grounds worker, had suffered with a long-standing drug addiction, but had managed to kick the habit.

Six years of no offending followed, but after a night spent drinking beer, Henbest relapsed and committed the burglary - a charge he pleaded guilty to.

Miss Austin said: “This was not a sophisticated burglary. Anyone not on drugs would have thought they would be caught doing this.”

Judge Christopher Parker QC said the incident would have left the neighbour “frightened” as “they were unaware what you were doing, whether you had a weapon, or what could have happened”.

Henbest, of Desborough Road, Eastleigh, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.