Rishton man raided friends' home as they went on the school run

Cannabis addict Adam Walters, 20, broke into the home of his neighbours, Alicia Demain and Nathan Latham, knowing they would be out, and even used Mr Latham’s crowbar which he had lent him.

Burnley Crown Court was told Walters knew where valuables were in the couple’s Rishton home, and stole a sentimental gold necklace among a £900 haul. He then pawned for it £300.

Walters had a £40-a-week drugs habit and was on benefits.

Walters, then of Rishton, had admitted burglary and fraud. He was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with supervision.

He must also carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and live at a hostel, in Bolton Road, Blackburn, where he has to obey a 9pm to 7am curfew.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the victims took their three children to school on the morning of June 4 and left their home secure. On their return, they saw Walters, and he waved to them. He had been their friend for about 18 months, and visited their home socially.

The victims found a smashed glass panel in a rear door, and the door had been forced with a crowbar.

Mr Parker said Ms Demain found the chain had gone, as well as three gold rings. Mr Latham immed-iately suspected Walters because Walters had not returned the crowbar.

Police checked secondhand shops and found Walters had sold the chain at a pawnbrokers that afternoon for £300. He said he spent the money on cannabis.

James Heyworth, for Walters, said his last burglary was in 2009. He was in a long-standing relationship and had a young child. He said he was spending £30 to £40 a week on cannabis.

Sentencing, Recorder William TC Smith said the offence was ‘particularly mean’.

The judge said the theft, and ransacking, would have had an impact on the victims, and there was some degree of planning.

He said he was suspending the sentence, largely as he had taken into account Walters’ age and the prospects there might be to address his issues and potentially his drug addiction.