BUNGLING burglar Guy Payne was forced to leave his haul after falling through the ceiling of a supermarket and off-licence, a court heard yesterday

Payne, 30, borrowed his girlfriend's tights to use as a mask and put her socks on his hands to avoid leaving prints during the early-morning raid.

However, his fall triggered the alarm and, by the time he climbed back on to the roof, police were waiting for him, said Deborah Steele, prosecuting.

Supermarket firm Jackson's is now seeking compensation of £1,252.40 for the damage caused to its store in Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Harrogate magistrates heard that his girlfriend, 25-year-old Suzanne Cosgrove, was found waiting nearby. She told police that she went along because she was in love with Payne.

Mrs Steele said Payne had removed some roof slates and smashed a hole in the ceiling in the raid on February 7.

He then went back down for a cigarette with Cosgrove before climbing up again and making a second hole in the ceiling, which he fell through - crashing down into the store.

When he tried to push his takings through one of the holes, the bin bag containing cigarettes and camera films, split and everything spilled out. He then fell, and when the alarm sounded he decided to make a run for it.

According to Mohammed Rafiq, defending, Payne had been stuck in the roof when he saw police arriving.

He said Cosgrove had joined the enterprise out of love for Payne, but only he had gone inside the shop.

Payne and Cosgrove, both of Newby Crescent, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal.

Magistrate Mike Garnett ordered a probation report and adjourned sentence until March 22, warning Payne that prison would be considered. Both were granted bail