A TENANT and his friend caused more than £3,400 worth of damage when they stripped the metal fittings - including the boiler - from his home while he was moving out.

Thomas Brian Tull and David Wilkinson admitted stealing the boiler, copper piping, taps and door handles worth £2,895 from a house in Willington, County Durham.

The pair, who appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, also pleaded guilty to damaging a glass panel in a door at the house on Lydia Street.

Prosecutor John Garside said Tull, 27, now of Commercial Street in Willington, had lived at the Lydia Street home for around six years.

After Tull had moved out in February this year, the homeowner discovered the theft and damage which totalled £3,460, the court heard.

As Tull had been the last tenant, police went to his new home to speak to him and saw the boiler’s casing in his rear yard, the court heard.

Tull and Wilkinson, 26, of Granville Terrace in Binchester near Bishop Auckland both made full admissions to officers, the court heard.

Jane Scott representing Tull said her client described the crime as sheer stupidity.

She said he is facing grave financial difficulties which led to the theft.

John Turner representing Wilkinson said magistrates would probably need a report from the probation service before they could sentence.

The bench agreed and the case was adjourned until Thursday, May 15 for reported.

Both Tull and Wilkinson were given unconditional bail.