A LANDSCAPE gardener has avoided prison over trying to break into an outhouse.

Kenny Martin, 27, had denied attempted burglary but was found guilty by a jury in December.

A judge heard how the father-of-two has tried to turn his life around since the offences in February 2014.

Oxford Crown Court heard on April 2 that Martin had been convicted of attempting to break into an outbuilding and going equipped to commit burglary.

The jury was told Martin and an accomplice were seen behaving suspiciously in Oxford Road, Adderbury, near Banbury, on February 19, 2014.

A neighbour called police who stopped the van carrying Martin. They searched the vehicle and found items that could be used for burglary.

The owners of the property discovered that somebody had climbed over a garden wall and tried to force open the door of an outhouse.

Martin’s companion admitted attempted burglary, going equipped and stealing the van and got eight months jail.

Alexandra Scott, defending, said Martin maintained his innocence but accepted the authority of the court.

She said he had stayed out of trouble since February 2014, had met a new partner, had young children and had started a business as a landscape gardener.

Recorder Paul Cook gave Martin, of Bourlay Close, Rubery, Birmingham, a 15-month suspended sentence.

He must do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 court costs.