A criminal who made a botched bid to break into Carlisle's Marks & Spencer store has been sentenced at the city's crown court.

A police officer watched as bungling would-be burglar Darren Paul Oliver failed to force his way into the rear of the retail giant's building, off West Walls.

After his arrest, 45-year-old Oliver - who had been popping prescription sleeping tablets - remarked to police: "How can I be burgling when I am off my head?"

Oliver, who has almost 100 offences to his name, had initially denied the attempted burglary on May 9 and was due to stand trial.

However, he changed his plea to guilty during a hearing before Judge Barbara Forrester today.

Judge Forrester imposed a five-month jail term which was suspended for two years.

Oliver, of Hallin Crescent, Morton Park, Carlisle, was also made subject to a four-month night-time curfew.