David Scott came within centimetres of potential death as he tried to steal copper wire from a telephone mast, narrowly missing earthing cable.

South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court heard that Scott had scaled the Vodafone communications mast at Potts Garage in West View,
Ashington, in an attempt to steal copper earthing cable.

Helen Harrison, prosecuting, said at 8am on April 4, Scott had scaled a metal fence and had begun stripping down the earthing points to uncover the cable when he was spotted by a passer-by.

Scott, who did not remove any of the copper but caused £3,500 worth of damage, made off but dumped tools and a jacket containing a syringe a short distance away.

Police recovered the items, where they found DNA on the syringe and matched it to Scott, who was arrested and cautioned on June 21.

During police interview, Scott admitted trying to steal the copper wire as he wanted to sell it on.

Scott, of King George's Road, Newbiggin, pleaded guilty to attempted theft, and also two counts of failing to attend court.

Angus Taylor, defending, said: "This defendant has a drug problem.

"He has a problem of being in this locality, influenced by others.

"I have taken instructions which say he does not wish me to converse with the magistrates the prospect of a suspended sentence.

"He isn't being flippant, he believes a spell in custody might be his best option.

"He sees it as an ideal opportunity to detox.

"He would rather you imposed a period of custody."

He added: "The attempted theft was at 8am and he was on his own.

"He is damn lucky he didn't electrocute himself and there's considerable damage.

"He is someone with a problem with drugs and his motivation was to feed that habit.

"When he is off the gear he is a smashing lad and is dead easy to deal with.

"He has it all available to him but he feels at the minute he needs to take a step back and have a period of time away.

"He wants a short, sharp shock.

"He isn't seeking to avoid the inevitable."

Magistrates sentenced Scott to four months in prison.

They also revoked an 18-month community order for a dwelling house burglary and sentenced him instead to an additional four months, giving him an eight month prison sentence.

They made no order for compensation.