A COUPLE are living in fear after a teenager broke into their home over Christmas as they and their 18-month-old child slept.

During the raid on December 30, Michael Knapman and an accomplice, yet to appear before court, stole alcohol, cigarettes, public address equipment and a set of drums, Gloucester Crown Court heard on Monday.

The pair then used keys stolen from the Eastington home of Christopher Ebbs and his wife to drive off in their £15,000 Vauxhall Astra van, which contained tools and other property worth around £14,000.

The car was later abandoned and set on fire after its tyre punctured.

James Haskell, for the defence, said Knapman, who was using cannabis at the time, was led by the other youth allegedly involved with the offences as he suggested setting fire to the van.

"It was plainly a very stupid thing to do, he knows that," said Mr Haskell.

Knapman, aged 19, of South Bank, Woodchester, admitted to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and arson.

He was sentenced to 16 months in custody and banned from driving for three years.

Recorder David Lane QC said: "Since the offence Mr Ebbs has had sleepless nights and his wife has wanted to move because she feels unsafe in her own home."