AN EAST Cowes man who smashed his way into a garage with his fists and stole cigarettes and a drink "because he was bored" has been sentenced. 

Damon Wilkins, of Old Road, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates today (Tuesday). 

The 23-year-old admitted burglary with intent to steal, in Northwood, on May 28, 2022.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court an intruder alarm had been activated at Northwood Garage at approximately 2.15am. 

She said police arrived at the scene and found windows had been smashed, and three hours later, they received a call from St Mary's Hospital staff.

Officers were told a man had come in bleeding with cuts to his hand, and confessed he had broken into the petrol station for cigarettes, and had cigarettes on him. 

Ms Smout said CCTV was discovered and showed Wilkins smashing a window, going into the kiosk and taking cigarettes. 

She said he climbed out of the window the way he had entered, and in interview, he explained how he had "punched and punched and punched" the glass until it broke, and cut his hand. 

He told officers he entered the garage, took some cigarettes and a drink, and left when the sirens started going off.

Asked why he did it, he said he was bored, walking past and thought he would rob the place. 

Ms Smout said Wilkins was a man of previous good character and it appeared to be an opportunistic incident.

Oscar Vincent, defending, told the bench Wilkins' case was nowhere near crossing the custody threshold and he had never been in trouble before. 

He said Wilkins was an extremely vulnerable individual and had an appropriate adult with him during his interview with police. 

The court heard he experienced problems at birth which resulted in severe learning difficulties. 

Mr Vincent said it was likely Wilkins did not fully understand what he was doing on the day and was already under the supervision of social services. 

He said Wilkins had not left the house often over the last two years, such was his fear of catching Covid, and had been unsupervised and had not taken his medication on the day of the offence. 

The court heard Wilkins was a non-smoker, and told officers and hospital staff he broke in out of boredom, which Mr Vincent said was symptomatic of his difficulties.

He said Wilkins lived at home and received excellent support from his family, and the offence was a one-off never to be repeated. 

Wilkins was fined £80 and ordered to pay £543 compensation to Northwood Garage. 

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.