An “intelligent” student broke into a building site with the intention of boarding a crane after a night of drinking, a court heard.

Anton Pavlov, of Camden Road in Walthamstow, entered the site in Woodberry Down, Haringey, on January 8 and again between January 23 and 26. 

Thames Magistrates Court was today (March 2) told the maths, economics and history A-level student at Clapham College had been drinking on January 8 and broke into the site because "he wanted to board a crane".

The 18-year-old gave up on his plan but forced the door of the manager's office and stole £5 from a cash tin.  

Prosecuting Joyce Kerrins said: "The manager returned the next day to find all of cupboards and draws which were locked had been forced open." 

Pavlov returned to the site two weeks later and he and a second man, who was not identified, were chased by a security guard after stealing cash, confectionary and milkshakes from a cafe area.  

Mitigating, Mrs Joseph said: "Pavlov is deeply ashamed by his behaviour and is highly embarrassed at having to appear before the courts today."

District judge Mary Connelly sentenced Pavlov to a three-year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85. 

Judge Connelly added: "What you have done shows me no signs of intelligence, quite the contrary. By even contrmplating boarding a crane, you put yourself in serious danger. 

"I hope you never put your parents through something like this again."