A drunk man kept lookout for a floods looter in Carlisle - and then stole property himself.
Security guards patrolling Warwick Road in the early hours 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, 46-year-old Bradshaw admitted burglary.
Recorder Kevin Grice heard Bradshaw had played a "limited" role in the crime on January 9 and was "very sorry".
He was given a 12-month community order.
Bradshaw, of Charles Street, off Fusehill 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.
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