A WEDDING reception was spoilt when guests had their rooms broken into and belongings stolen, a court heard yesterday.

Thieves struck at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, in Darlington, while the newlyweds and friends enjoyed the reception.

Two ground-floor rooms were raided and cash, jewellery and bank cards were stolen, along with a flat-screen television.

Jamie Rawlings, 21, from Darlington, appeared in court for his part in the burglary, on June 26 last year.

He was jailed for 20 months after Judge Howard Crowson told him there was little difference between the offence and a house burglary.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Rawlings helped another man – the room raider – carry the loot from the hotel.

The pair were caught returning to the scene to collect some of the property they had left behind, the court was told.

Last October, Rawlings’s accomplice received a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, for his involvement.

Jonathan Walker, mitigating, said Rawlings should receive a similar punishment for his lesser part in the offence.

But Judge Crowson said the barrister’s argument was not legitimate as he believed the earlier sentence was lenient.

He also said Rawlings’ position was worse because he had not long been released from a 29-month sentence for burglary.

“It is a serious matter and it demands an immediate custodial sentence,” said the judge. “Personal property was taken.

“You are a persistent burglar and you have many previous convictions.

If you continue to offend, you will get longer.”

Rawlings protested to the judge as he was led away from the dock, saying: “You’ve proper hammered me there, like.”

He demanded to know: “How does he (the other burglar) get a suspended sentence, and I get 20 months?”

Mr Walker said Rawlings was keen to move from Darlington to get away from negative peer pressure and a culture of drinking.

Rawlings, formerly from the Skerne Park area of town, but now in the care of a young offenders’ institute, admitted burglary.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said two mobile phones worth more than £300 each were also taken during the break-ins.