A burglar who claimed he only wore gloves during a break in because he has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been spared jail.

Sheldon Lea, of Iffley Road, Oxford, admitted being involved in a burglary on July 8 last year.

Henry James, prosecuting, said the 25-year-old was part of a group who targeted a flat above Iffley News, in Iffley Road.

Mr James added that Lea had worn gloves during the crime, suggesting it had been planned in advance.

But Timothy Boswell, defending, told Judge Ian Pringle that Lea suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and hates dirt – explaining why he was wearing gloves during the burglary.

Judge Pringle said Lea had a “poor” criminal record but told him: “Over the last two or three years you have at least grown up. I think this was on the spur of the moment.”

Lea received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.