A HOMELESS burglar repeatedly targeted a cafe and "nearly destroyed" the business, a court heard.

Wayne Wojewoda, 45, stole food and cash after creeping into the Cafe in the Courtyard, at Far Sawrey, in the dead of night.

But after pinching hundreds of pounds worth of property, Wojewoda was caught red-handed as the owners turned detective to unmask the thief.

Prosecutor Beccy McGregor told Carlisle Crown Court that suspicion initially – and wrongly – fell on staff after items repeatedly went missing.

An in-house investigation was launched and CCTV was installed. In the wake of further thefts, this was viewed and showed the distinctive figure of bearded Wojewoda.

"He was using a tea towel to wipe away fingerprints as he touched and removed items, including food," said Ms McGregor.

On 19th September, CCTV showed Wojewoda removing money from a tips jar. Keen to catch the criminal, proprietor Richard Flanders placed a stone against the closed cafe door one evening, returning two hours later.

"The stone had been removed and the defendant could be seen inside," said Ms McGregor. "He was lying on a bench. He was asleep."

Police were called and arrested the burglar. A victim impact statement from Louise Flanders detailed the impact of Wojewoda's offending on the family business.

"She describes how extremely angry she is at what happened," added Ms McGregor.

"She suspected her staff were responsible. Her staff also suspected each other.

"The cafe was something they were very proud of. It was a new venture and this person, the defendant, has nearly destroyed that."

Wojewoda, of no fixed address, admitted burglary, possessing cannabis and asked for four other break-ins to be taken into consideration.

His lawyer, Jacob Dyer, said he was homeless at the time and had gained access after "finding" a key on the site.

Wojewoda was due to be sentenced by Judge Peter Hughes QC. However, Judge Hughes adjourned the case, asking for more information about the defendant's background.

Wojewoda is due to learn his fate on 18th November. In the meantime he was remanded in custody.