THREE “pests” were caught red-handed trying to steal from a recycling plant.

Judge Gary Burrell QC labelled former Redbridge Community School pupils Cameron House, Thomas Wellman and Danny Sheen “a nuisance” after they tried to break into Netley Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Grange Road.

House, Wellman and Sheen set off the alarm at the Grange Road premises when they sneaked on to the site.

Rob Harding, prosecuting, said: “The three individuals were found near to or around the scene, with Wellman found close to Sheen’s pick-up truck, where a catapult was found inside it.

“House was found to have a police ASP [expandable] baton on him when police got him.

“Wellman was particularly hostile when he was caught and officers were forced to have heavy involvement with him.”

Mr Harding added: “House said in interview with police that he had the baton as a form of protection as he had been stabbed in the back before.”

The court heard that House had previously been caught in possession of a knuckleduster when 15 years old.

House, 20, and Wellman, 20, had previous convictions, including charges of theft and burglary.

Keely Harvey, mitigating for the defendants, added: “All three offer apologies and want to put this behind them”.

In sentencing the trio, Judge Gary Burrell said: “You three are pests and a nuisance. All three of you got caught red-handed stealing from someone. This is burglary and you could be sent to prison as a result of you actions.

“But I take the view I’m not going to waste valuable prison resources, which are limited as it is, on the likes of you.”

Each pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal, and House pleaded guilty to being in possessing a weapon in a public place.

House and Wellman, of Mardale Road, Millbrook, and Sheen, of Windermere Avenue, Millbrook, were sentenced to six months’ jail, suspended for two years.

Each must complete 100 hours’ unpaid work.