A THIEF who stripped a house of its copper piping, causing £5,000 damage, has been spared immediate jail.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Daniel Daly, 41, ripped up floors and removed radiators, causing flooding in the unoccupied property in Grange Street in the town. The defendant was caught out by his fingerprints.

Daly, of Elgin Crescent, Burnley, admitted burglary between August 15 and 17. He was given 120 days in custody, suspended for 12 months, with 12 months supervision and £60 costs.