A TEENAGER burgled his grandmother’s home — after living with her for most of his life.

Wesleigh Russell got hold of a key to the house and looked through wardrobes and drawers, a court heard.

He told police he had been looking to use a laptop.

He appeared for sentence, having just completed a short period of detention for stealing from an uncle in an earlier case.

The 19-year-old of Lower Gate, Clitheroe, was given a suspended sentence when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to an offence of burglary with intent to steal.

The offence took place at the home of his grandmother, Sharon Russell, on King Street, Clitheroe, in April, the court heard.

Richard Archer, prosecuting, said the defendant had lived at that address for most of his life but had stolen from his grandparents over the years.

Mrs Russell returned home on April 20 and found him stood by a wardrobe.

She later found that wardrobes and drawers in a spare room had been rummaged through.

Nothing had been stolen, but the woman suspected her grandson was responsible, having earlier told him he wasn’t welcome.

Russell accepted having had a key for the house and not having permission to enter.

Darren Lee-Smith, defending, said that last month, Russell was given four weeks custody for a theft from an uncle.

He said: “It was a very sobering experience. It has given him the opportunity to consider his actions and work towards resolving the root cause of his offending.

“He would benefit from a significant period of supervision, much more than a further custodial sentence, where he may become criminalised by fellow prisoners.

“He is very sorry for his behaviour.”

Russell was given six months custody, suspended for 18 months, with 18 months supervision and 24 hours at an attendance centre.

Judge Simon Newell said: “This is the second time in a short period where you have broken the trust of a family member.”