'Bereaved' burglar is spared jail.

A "DADDY'S girl" who turned to crime after the death of her father has been spared prison after burgling a neighbour.

Teesside Crown Court heard how 20-year-old Simone Marie Thompson began offending at the age of 14 after her dad died.

Prosecutor Katy Rafter told the court how Thompson was seen entering her neighbour's property on Kentport Court in Stockton on March 7 at around 2am.

Thompson was spotted smashing a window and then removing electrical items by another neighbour who called police.

Officers arrived and arrested Thompson at the scene.

The court was told items valued at a total of pounds 250, including a DVD player, video, portable television and microwave were taken. All were recovered.

Thompson was found guilty following a trial at Teesside Magistrates' Court but was sent to the Crown Court to be sentenced.

Defence barrister Peter Wishlade said: "She has had some difficulty coming to terms with the death of her father when she was 14.

"It's fair to say she is a daddy's girl and she has had no counselling with regard to that."

Judge George Moorhouse said: "You are the only member of your family that has got into trouble. As you have heard burglary of a dwelling house in the early hours, drunk or otherwise, is a serious offence.

"I accept you were mixing with the wrong crowd, drinking too much and have not received any counselling for the sad loss of your father."

The judge gave Thompson a two-year prison sentence but suspended it for two years and also ordered a two-year supervision requirement.

Trevor, a well known local character, has run the business for about 30 years and admits he's very fond of Duckie and her occasional companions.

A few months ago, Duckie brought in her huge brood of nine ducklings, guiding them across the nearby main road for crumbs and titbits.

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