A BURGLAR who stole more than �9,000 of computer equipment from Welwyn Hatfield Council has been convicted. Paul Tillett was captured on CCTV during his raid at the council offices in Campus West, WGC. The 27-year-old of Gascoyne Close, South Mimms, app

A BURGLAR who stole more than �9,000 of computer equipment from Welwyn Hatfield Council has been convicted.

Paul Tillett was captured on CCTV during his raid at the council offices in Campus West, WGC.

The 27-year-old of Gascoyne Close, South Mimms, appeared at Central Herts Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of burglary.

Tillett pleaded guilty to both offences - the first on October 29, 2007 saw equipment worth �3,296 taken and the second on January 17, 2008 saw �5,191.16 stolen.

He also had two other offences taken into consideration.

The thief was given a three-month suspended jail term on each charge and ordered to pay �450 in compensation to the council.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work in the next 12 months.

Chief executive Michel Saminaden said: "Welwyn Hatfield Council is pleased the offender has been brought to justice and would like to thank the police for their efforts in catching and prosecuting him."

A police spokesman said: "Tillett's thoughtless actions caused much inconvenience to the council and we're pleased he has been convicted.

"We're extremely grateful to the WHT for covering this item and printing the CCTV images, which helped in identifying Tillett as being responsible for these crimes.