Police turned up as the burglars sped off from the Centre in a white van with their haul of stolen ipods and video games.

A high-speed chase followed through residential streets in the early hours as the van lost control, mounted the kerb and ploughed into two lampposts.

The three burglars fled on foot, but were caught by police.

Michael Smith, prosecuting, said Richard Dunham, 25, of Hollin Park, Oakwood, used an axe to cut through doors at the Woolworths store before he and a 16-year-old youth got in.

They emerged with 10 ipods worth £2,000 and a number of computer games worth £5,000.

Nicholas Adair, 18, of Barncroft Drive, Seacroft, helped to load the van before the men set off with Dunham at the wheel and police in pursuit.
Dunham told police he only committed the burglary because he felt under pressure as he owed someone £10,000 for damaging a car.

Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, jailed Dunham for 12 months and banned him from driving for 12 months.

He handed Adair a 12-month community order and imposed a 7pm-to-7am curfew for four months.

Both Dunham and Adair had pleaded guilty to burglary. Dunham also admitted dangerous driving.

The 16-year-old was dealt with by the youth court and handed a referral order.