A BURGLAR who raided a house while two of the occupants were at home was chased down the road and detained by them, a court has heard.

The owner of the house in Rushmere Road and one of his tenants were disturbed by the sound of smashing coming from downstairs at around 9.20pm on September 2 and when they went to investigate discovered Stephen Blundell on the premises and found that a television cabinet had been smashed.

Blundell, who had entered the house through an insecure door made an excuse for being at the property and was detained outside in the road, said Robert Sadd, prosecuting.

There was a struggle and Blundell was arrested shortly afterwards when police arrived on the scene.

Blundell had initially denied burglary but was linked to the offence by scientific evidence.

Blundell, 41, of Pauline Street, Ipswich, admitted burglary with intent to steal and was given a 16-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He was also placed under supervision of the probation service for 12 months and made the subject of a six-month drug rehabilitation order and ordered to attend a ten-day alcohol specified activity requirement.