An employee of a pet cemetery burgled his employers’ premises because he was desperate for cash to pay off a drugs debt.

Malcolm Lee Pritchard, of Holywell, Wales, admitted burglary at offices and the dwelling at Brynford Pet Cemetery and was jailed for 14 months when he appeared at Mold Crown Court.

Pritchard, 28, turned up for work the following morning as if nothing had happened – but was identified from CCTV footage. He had burgled his place of employment and had stolen more than £600 in cash.

Pritchard had entered the office and then the flat upstairs where the parents of the business owners lived, although they were away at the time.

Judge Hughes said it was clear he was badly affected by alcohol and cannabis at the time. He also took into account a letter from his then employers “who very charitably say that they hold no grudge against you,” the judge said.

Pritchard wore dark clothing and was said to have an improvised face mask and socks on his hands, presumably to avoid leaving finger prints, when he committed the burglary.

Prosecutor Gareth Preston told how Pritchard searched the office and then went into the flat above. He stole cash from the office and from the wardrobe of the living quarters.

The burglary was discovered the following morning, the CCTV was viewed and Pritchard was identified as a result.

He admitted the burglary, said he knew the property because he worked there for some 18 months, and knew where there was a savings tin because he had previously decorated the flat.