A VILLAGER stole a funeral service booklet when he broke into his ex-partner’s home, a court was told.

Mark Reilly from Upper Green Road, Tewin, broke in to the home of Marion Schofield via the back door of her house in Forbes Avenue, Potters Bar.

Reilly took the booklet from a bedroom, but was arrested at the scene by police.

The 49-year-old pleaded guilty in front of magistrates in St Albans to a charge of burglary and was ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work and have treatment for alcohol dependency.

He was also made subject to a restraining order to not contact his victim and must pay �85 in court costs.

The property was returned to its owner.