A kind and supportive Powys couple who had given two young men jobs had their trust betrayed when their car was stolen while the family slept and later written off in a crash in Manchester.

Keiron Dixon, 21, and Daniel Charnock, 23, were told by the judge that they were "extremely lucky" to be spared prison after admitting burglary and aggravated vehicle taking in Crossgates, near Llandrindod Wells on November 11, 2023.

The pair came from troubled backgrounds in Bury, near Manchester, and were given work by John and Emma Thomas at their house in Yew Tree Close for more than a month, during which time they found out where the couple kept the keys to their Skoda Superb estate car.

The couple woke on November 11 to find the car stolen. They later learned it had been involved in a crash in Manchester involving Dixon and Charnock who were described as in a "drunken condition". Neighbours' CCTV footage showed them stealing the car.

The car was stolen from Yew Tree Close in Crossgates in November 2023. (Image: Google Street View)

During a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Tuesday, December 3, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said Mr and Mrs Thomas had shown them "nothing but kindness and support", adding that their betrayal was "shocking".

In an impact statement Mr Thomas said he and his wife were "angry, sad and disappointed” after giving the defendants employment, flexible working hours and food and drink whenever they wanted.

Mr Thomas added that Dixon and Charnock were trusted to be at their property while they were not at home, and their young daughter was scared for several weeks following the burglary.

Mr Archer, representing Dixon, said: "He's deeply sorry for what happened, and he wishes he could take it back. John and Emma Thomas placed their trust in him at a difficult time in his life and has let them down in committing this offence. Mr Dixon is appalled with himself."

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Dixon came to Powys to flee his "chaotic" life in north-west England where cocaine played a "significant" factor leading to the offending. He has since returned to a more stable lifestyle in Bury.

"There was an impulsivity in taking the car and not for any genuine gain but what was initially for joyriding," Mr Archer added. "It became more serious again because of the accident."

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Charnock's barrister told the judge that he wanted to apologise "unreservedly" to the victims and the court for his first time offending.

"It is worth mentioning the drastic effect that the death of his biological mother when he was four years old had upon him," the barrister said. 

"His father, a career criminal, is in prison who he has only met once. Mr Charnock is particularly worried about turning out like his dad and wants to avoid it at all costs."

The barrister added: "Every day he thinks about not only ruining his life but also the trauma caused to the family in particular the little girl."

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Judge Jenkins sentenced Dixon and Charnock to a total of 18 months in prison, suspended for the same period - 14 months for burglary and four for aggravated vehicle taking.

"You can only imagine the devastation and effect that this had on Mr and Mrs Thomas who had placed their trust in you and this offence represents a cruel breach of that trust," he said.

"The effect of a household having been found broken into when they were asleep at night cannot be understated and leaves a sense of violation that is never the same again within those walls," he said.

The judge added: “The real question for the court is whether to send you into an environment where you would mix with far more sophisticated criminals or give you a chance to make amends in the community and stay out of trouble. You can regard yourselves as extremely lucky.

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"If you’re foolish enough to come back to me on breach, you will go into custody. This is your first and your last chance."

Dixon, of Sefton Drive, Bury, was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days, while Charnock, of Duxbury Drive, Bury, must undergo 12 months of treatment for his mental health.

Both men are disqualified from driving for 12 months and must perform 20 rehabilitation requirement days and comply with a curfew for three months.