A TEENAGER who raided a neighbour's flat told police his landlord had threatened him into doing it.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Lee Salt, 19, who has learning difficulties, claimed he had been told to trash the property to get the tenant out - and then other members of Salt's family could have the flat if he did.

The defendant, then of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, had admitted burglary last November and had been committed for sentence by magistrates. He was given a two year community order with supervision.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Woolman said burglary was always serious.

He added: "I accept you were probably prevailed upon to commit this offence.You are somebody with severe difficulties."

Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said the offence was somewhat unusual. The burgled property was one of three bedsits. The 57 year victim was one of the tenants and Salt lived in another.

The victim went out to stay with his partner and was telephoned the following day from the landlord to say his flat had been broken into.

He returned and found the lock had been removed from the flat and a number of items of property had been stolen.

Mr Watson said a watch, a DVD player, a tool box and a Playstation were amongst the haul taken. Some hours earlier a police officer had seen the defendant carrying a circular saw and had spoken to him.

Salt had effectively admitted he had got the property by breaking into an adjoining flat.

Some of the property was recovered. Salt was arrested and in his interview he told police his landlord had threatened him if he did not break into the flat and trash it to get the tenant out there would be a problem.

The prosecutor said there was an inducement that members of the defendant's flat could have the tenancy.

Mr Watson added: "The police do not believe that is entirely untrue and would wish to investigate that further."

He said Salt had learning difficulties and had had an appropriate adult with him in interview. He had previous convictions, but not for burglary.

Alan Wilson, defending, said this was Salt's first conviction for burglary and the court could pass a non custodial sentence.