A CRIMINAL was spared custody for going back to his old ways after he had kept out of trouble since his release from jail.

Steven John Rickwood, 33, of Florence Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to burglary when he appeared before Burnley magistrates.

The court heard how Rickwood had a long record and had once served a six-year jail term - but had only committed one other minor offence since 2005.

The court was told Rickwood raided a house on December 21 and at first denied the offence when questioned by police.

The bench told him only custody was appropriate for his actions - but suspended the term. The defendant received 120 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, with 12 months supervision and the addressing substance related offending programme. He must pay £75 costs.

Rickwood had 62 previous convictions, 31 of them for theft and similar offences. He had served six years behind bars for aggravated burglary.

Mark Williams, defending, said Rickwood was released from prison in 2005 and had managed to stay out of trouble, except for an offence of possessing cannabis.

Rickwood appeared to have the correct motivation to deal with the problems that had led to his offending behaviour.

The solicitor added: "He has had significant problems for a significant period of time."