A homeless man burgled a retirement home in Hornchurch and stole a box of chocolate, a court has heard. 

Mustafa Hill, 38, pleaded guilty to burglary after he trespassed into William Tansley Smith House retirement home on January 19. 

But when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday (August 28) the court was told he was just looking for food. 

All that was taken from the premises was food and drink including a box of chocolate. 

Hill has been remanded in custody since June after he failed to attend his magistrates court hearing. 

Hill explained to Judge Timothy Greene: “To be honest, I haven’t got no excuse. I was living on the street. The magistrates gave me plenty of opportunity to comply but I didn’t because of my lifestyle.” 

He added: “I’m off drugs now. Given I’m gonna hopefully stay off drugs and live a better life I’m hoping my family will take me in.” 

Although Hill had sought legal counsel no lawyer turned up at court to represent him. 

Judge Greene decided to adjourn the sentencing hearing until next week so that Hill can be properly represented in court. 

“I think there are things that could be said on your behalf. If I were to sentence you today, you wouldn’t get out just yet anyway,” he told Hill.