NORWICH – A Sidney man pleaded guilty to attempted third-degree burglary on Monday, and admitted to stealing a variety of lawn maintenance and hunting equipment including two lawn mowers, a weed eater, two electrical cords, a tree stand rail, and a tree stand stabilizer.

Zackery V. England and Steven C. Barrows, both 27 of Sidney, were indicted on third-degree burglary, a class D felony, third-degree attempted burglary, a class E felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

Barrows appeared in Chenango County Court on Friday, and agreed to plead guilty to attempted third-degree burglary for one-and-a-half years in prison along with $379.05 in restitution to cover his half of the stolen property value.

According to his attorney, Chenango County Public Defender John Cameron, Barrows has a long history of substance abuse which lead to his burglaries.

"He has a long history of substance abuse, and the crimes he committed stemmed from that," said Cameron. "We're asking that the court acknowledge his drug history, and recommend he receive treatment."

According to Barrows' indictment, on September 3 and 4, in the Town of Oxford and the Town of Guilford respectively, England and Barrows allegedly worked with together to break into and steal from homes.

"...the defendant, while acting in concert with another, did commit the crime of larceny therein by stealing two lawn mowers, a weed eater, two electrical cords, a tree stand rail, a tree stand stabilizer, a kerosene heater, a gas can, screw drivers, and a Silver King force pump with rubber hose from within," stated the indictment.

According to District Attorney Michael Ferrarese, Barrows has been involved with criminal activities for the majority of his life.

"Mr. Barrows has engaged in criminal conduct most of his young life," said Ferrarese. "I can't see him coming before this court again without being classified as a persistent felon."

He said if Barrows were to commit another felony after his release, he would likely receive a life sentence as per New York State legal guidelines.

Barrows also spoke in court, and discussed his desire to get clean and become a role model for his children.

"I'm glad the court has given me the opportunity to fight my drug addiction, I want to be a good father," said Barrows. "I started drinking alcohol and smoking weed at age eight."

He said he has overdosed on drugs more than once, and was once in a coma for weeks as a result of his drug habits.

Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr., said, "I hope you're being sincere, because you clearly need treatment."

Revoir said if Barrows couldn't turn his life around, he may end up giving into his addiction and losing his life.

"There's only one thing left for you, and I don't want to wake up in the morning and read your obituary," said Revior.

Both England and Barrows have pleaded guilty, and are expected to being paying back their restitution at a rate of $50 a month after they're released.