Man kept lookout for Carlisle floods looter

Carlisle under water after Storm Desmond Credit: ITV Border

A court has heard how a drunk man kept lookout for a Carlisle floods looter - and then stole property himself.

Security guards patrolling the Warwick Road area in the early hours of 9th January initially spotted Martin Howlett.

But police called to deal with him then saw his accomplice Alistair Bradshaw. He was carrying items stolen from a nearby shed which Howlett had broken into.

At Carlisle Crown Court today 44-year-old Bradshaw admitted a charge of burglary.

Recorder Kevin Grice heard Bradshaw had played a "limited" role in the crime and was "very sorry". As a result he was given a 12-month community order.

Bradshaw, of Charles Street, Carlisle, must complete 120 hours' unpaid work during that period.

* Howlett, 31, previously of Warwick Road, was jailed for five years at the crown court in March having admitted five crimes, including three burglaries.