A drunken hod carrier was so desperate to get a copy of the film Gladiator he burgled the home of a family who forgot to return it to the local video store.

Stuart Collins, 23, saw red when told he was unable to hire the film, starring Russell Crowe, after an afternoon drinking session.

Shop staff told him where an overdue copy was located so he broke into the empty property and stole a TV and video recorder.

Collins, of Milner Road, Brighton, was caught after a neighbour rang police, Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday.

Ahmed Hossain, defending, said: "This is not an archetypal burglary.

"Mr Collins had drunk eight pints and eight shots of vodka in a relatively short period of time.

"He received a phone call from a friend asking him to pick up a copy of the video Gladiator on his way home.

"It was out and, perhaps somewhat strangely, he was told the address where the video was and told why didn't he try and obtain that video as it was overdue.

"He rang the bell and banged on the door. It was at this stage, for some reason unknown to Mr Collins, he entered and caused the damage.

"Mr Collins cannot advance a reason why he took the television and video, he has his own.

"He is somebody who has a problem with alcohol."

Judge Richard Hayward said: "You are a young man who is in danger of making a complete mess of your life through alcohol.

"I am satisfied you probably wouldn't have committed the offence had you not been in drink. But drinking is never an excuse for criminal behaviour.

"A domestic burglary normally attracts an immediate custodial sentence but, having regard to the peculiar circumstances of this case, I have decided it will not."

Collins, who admitted burglary, was sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered to pay compensation and costs of nearly £250.

Judge Hayward added: "Failing to turn up for community service because you have got a hangover and cannot get out of bed will not be accepted."