A BURGLAR spotted climbing through a window of a house in Nelson told the victims he had never done anything like it before - but he had a long record, a court was told.

Now James McCool is starting a 29-month prison sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how McCool, 26, had apologised to the family whose home he had invaded and begged them not to press charges if he paid them back, but he never did.

McCool, who had a record for burglary and robbery and had served jail terms, admitted burglary following the incident on August 6.

Tina Landale, prosecuting, said the defendant took a £360 haul from the property on Carr Hall Road.

The family had gone out and left a lounge window slightly ajar. About midday the defendant climbed through and a neighbour spotted him.

Four days later, McCool phoned the victims and apologised. He asked them not to press charges if he paid them back.

Miss Landale said the victims felt sorry for McCool who claimed he had never done anything like that before, but it wasn't true.

When McCool was arrested, he said: "I can't believe I have ruined my life for one stupid thing."