A TEENAGER who broke into Tavistock College over the Christmas holidays because he was homeless and hungry has been ordered to pay for the damage he caused and the food he stole. Lewis Swift, 19, of Barley Market Street, Tavistock, broke a window to get into the college some time between December 19 and January 5 and used a screwdriver to force open cupboards to steal crisps and sweets, Plymouth magistrates heard. Mr Swift, who pleaded guilty to burglary, caused up to £200 worth of damage. Magistrates heard he had been homeless since just before Christmas. The court was told someone else had encouraged Mr Swift to burgle the college and that he had been drunk. The defendant was found to be carrying a lock-knife but this was said to be a tool used legitimately in his work as a painter and decorator. Magistrates told Mr Swift, who had a number of previous convictions, they initially had custody in mind but were going to give him ?one last chance?. He was given a 12-month supervision order, told to carry out 200 hours? unpaid work in the community and ordered to pay £200 compensation to Tavistock College.
