A BURGER van owner felt targeted after two men broke in and caused 'substantial damage' to his business causing it to close for a week.

Daniel Wayne Newman, 23, of Alexandra Way, Hereford, admitted to causing the damage to the van on Lower Road Trading Estate in Ledbury which included destroying a fryer and stealing food.

Roman Jerebek, who runs the burger van, said he had to close it down for seven days as he couldn't use the facilities due to health and safety.

In an impact statement read out in court Mr Jerebek said: "I have ran the business for four years, working hard and I felt targeted.

"I couldn't understand why this happened to me and it was malicious."

He added that he had to re-stock the food, improve security and purchase a new fryer.

Newman pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates Court to five counts of theft and one count of criminal damage between October 2 and 12, during what was described as a 'two man crime wave'

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said that the other person involved had yet to be charged.

The first incident took place on October 2, at Redbank Farm, Ledbury, where a member of staff described two men being seen syphoning fuel from a lorry.

"The two men ran off but staff took photographs of cars that had been left and when they returned two hours later the cars had gone," said Mr Beale.

"One belonged to the defendant."

When interviewed Newman accepted his part and said that they had already filled four containers up and abandoned them.

Newman said that his part was keeping watch as he didn't like syphoning fuel or the taste in his mouth.

Then on October 4, Mark Grainger, a lorry driver, was sleeping in his cab in Leominster when he was awoken by a driver of another lorry.

He was told that people had been stealing fuel and when he got out they had ran off.

It was discovered that £150 worth of fuel had been stolen.

Between October 9 and 12 a chainsaw and a set of golf clubs were stolen from a property's unlocked porch in Russet Close, Ledbury.

Then, between October 10 and 13 the burger van in Ledbury was targeted during two incidents.

The first night food and drink was taken before 'substantial damage' was caused during the second evening.

Emma Thorne, mitigating said that Newman had been entirely frank with his admissions on police interview.

"He is here alone because of his honesty on interview," added Mrs Thorne.

"Prior to October last year he hadn't been in trouble for the best part of 10 years as he had a long-term partner. Unfortunately in September the relationship broke down and he admits to hitting self-destruct.

"He associated with people who led him astray but accepts his behaviour was wrong. He doesn't accept substantial criminal damage to the burger van as he doesn't recall to that extent on his part.

"He puts his hands up and accepts that he was there and deeply regrets the impact on the owner. Since his police interview he has disassociated himself of these people and is actively pursuing work."

Magistrates ordered Newman to complete a 12-month community order including 240 hours of unpaid work and five rehabilitation activity days.

He was also ordered to pay Mr Jerebek £1,432 compensation, £150 to Mr Grainger, £300 to the owner of the stolen chainsaw and golf clubs, £185 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.