A bouncer who took part in a drunken burglary where the recently-bereaved victims’ house was ransacked and left in ‘utter carnage’ has walked free from court.

Leonard Murataj insisted he had only helped the real raider get through the window after initially claiming the fingerprint recovered was not his.

And after hearing the 37-year-old dad, who was paid £300 for his role in the crime, was sorry for what he had done a judge imposed a suspended sentence.

James Haskell, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that two brothers, who had recently lost their mother, lived at the Headlands Grove property.

The house was empty between 5pm on Friday February 16 and 1am the following morning when one of the siblings got back to find their home ransacked.

“To use the words of one of the victims it was ‘utter carnage’,” Mr Haskell said, with drawers pulled out and emptied as the raider looked for things to steal.

He said the intruder had got in through a window to the utility room and there was evidence of a tool being used to help force it open.

During the break in, as well as stealing £900 in cash, the raider took three watches, six gold rings and some cameras.

Mr Haskell said one of the watches and cameras had particular sentimental value as they had belonged to their deceased parents.

He said a fingerprint was lifted from the point of entry which matched the defendant, but he initially claimed it was a mistake and not his.

Murataj, of Latton Close, Penhill, initially pleaded not guilty to burglary but changed his plea before a trial could be held.

Giving an oral report probation officer Michelle James said he appeared to be genuinely remorseful for what he had done.

She said he had been drinking heavily in the Moonrakers with a pal who lost a lot gambling and he wanted to go out and get some money.

He told her that he was drunk and his friend was winding him up so he agreed to help him get in and then take away what was stolen.

She said he had wife of 15 years and a child and thought he worked as a doorman he feared he would lose his licence as a result of the conviction.

Emma Handslip, defending, said the matter was out of character for her client and he was the only one in the dock for the offence.

Passing sentence Judge Jason Taylor QC said “You have made a foolish mistake which means you have lost your good character, and of course you will be punished for that.”

He imposed a 20 month jail term suspended for 18 months with a three-month curfew, 200 hours of unpaid work and £2,100 compensation.