A MAN who admitted stealing lead off a roof claimed to have been tempted while taking part in the daredevil sport of “free running.”

Ben Cooper was seen taking rolled up lead from a building only yards away from Southampton Crown Court where he appeared yesterday.

Charles Cochand, prosecuting, told how a neighbour was awoken by “unusual noises” in the middle of the night.

When she looked out of her window, she saw two men |taking lead from the flat roof of a building at the top end of London Road, Southampton.

Police were called and Cooper was arrested.

When he was interviewed, he claimed he had been taking part in a risky sport which involved jumping from |building to building.

Mr Cochand said: “He said he had been roof jumping or ‘free running’. Then he saw the rolled-up lead.” During the interview, Cooper told police he had originally no intention of taking the valuable metal, and it was his friend who |suggested stealing it.

The other man involved in the theft had received a |suspended jail sentence at a separate hearing, the court was told.

The court also heard how Cooper had a past conviction for threatening behaviour.

The 20-year-old, of Quob Farm Close, West End, had pleaded guilty to a charge of theft at an earlier hearing. Yesterday, he was ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid work in the community.

Sentencing, Recorder William Andrea-Jones QC said: “This is really not your style is it?

“You must have had an uncomfortable few weeks waiting for today.

“I hope it’s an experience you remember to learn from.”

Jamie Porter, defending, said: “He clearly regrets being involved with people who have a propensity to be involved in criminal acts.”