A MAN from Gwynedd who burgled a woman’s home and started a fire at the property has been spared jail.

Liam Owen, 29, of Bro Gwylwyr, Nefyn, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (September 26).

He had previously admitted a charge of burglary in a dwelling.

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Prosecuting, Catherine Elvin told the court that, at about 12.45am on January 28, Owen broke into the home of Janet Brickell, an empty property which was up for sale at the time.

A witness heard noise coming from the property, and saw a smashed glass pane; he contacted police after recognising Owen, who was arrested on a nearby street.

Owen was taken to custody in Caernarfon, but had suffered injuries during the burglary and was transferred to hospital.

While at hospital, he tried to run away from officers, as he “just wanted to go home”.

Ms Brickell said that there was damage throughout her property, including blood stains, and a smashed glass panel to the front door.

Alcohol in the property had been drank, and a number of documents and photographs had been thrown onto a fire.

An electricity meter box had also been smashed.

Owen accepted that he had been at the property, but said he started a fire to “warm up”, and denied drinking alcohol while at Ms Brickell’s home.

Ms Elvin said Owen, whose offence was “largely committed on impulse”, had eight previous convictions for 13 offences, albeit for no previous theft matters.

The cost of damage caused by Owen totalled £1,923.50.

Owen was on licence at the time of the burglary following his release from prison.

Defending, Dafydd Roberts said Owen has since “changed his attitude” and “wishes to publicly apologise” for his actions.

His “life was spiralling out of control at the time,” Mr Roberts said, particularly through his drug abuse.

But he has since addressed his substance misuse, having been providing negative drug tests to the probation service.

“This is a young man who can behave appropriately, can be given responsibility, and can be trusted,” Mr Roberts said of Owen.

He is in employment, and has improved his mental health with the help of medication.

Mr Roberts invited the court to impose a sentence which “hangs over his head”, rather than immediate custody.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Owen that he had a  “history of drink- and drug-related offending”, and that this was a “further example”.

He ordered Owen to complete a “building better relationships” programme, in order “address your risk towards partners”.

Owen was also handed a six-month drug rehabilitation programme, as well as 150 hours’ unpaid work.

In addition, he will pay £600 in compensation to Ms Brickell.

Judge Petts told Owen: “I think there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, which outweighs the need for immediate punishment through prison.

“This is going to be hanging over you for the next two years, and gives you a chance to demonstrate that things are changing in your life.”