A TEEN burglar who struck three times on a Burnley street - targeting one property twice - has been detained for two years five months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Stephen Whittle, 18, committed his first raid when he was just 15- and a judge said his pre-sentence report made "bleak reading" for someone just turned his age.

The defendant blew the proceeds of his crimes, which left a six year old boy traumatised, on cocaine and drink.

Whittle, of Kingsbury Place, Burnley, admitted burglary and attempted burglary on Grassington Drive on March 11 and 28 and asked for an offence to be considered. He was sent to a Young Offenders' Institution.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt told him it was "unforgiveable" to pick on the same house twice.

She said: "You're an adult now. No more detention and training and probation officers running around after you."

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, told the court Whittle got into one property during the day as the conservatory door was left unlocked by mistake.

He made an untidy search and pinched a games console, laptop and cash in a bottle to the tune of £850. The occupant, who lived with her six year old son, told police she was upset and the little boy had been traumatised by what happened.

The defendant tried to get into another house on Grassington Drive in the daytime by forcing the window. He was disturbed by a neighbour and was arrested and interviewed after the witness described him. He denied the burglary attempt.

The defendant later admitted the offences and said he had been raising money from selling the items. He told officers he had spent the cash he received from the burglary on the six year old's home on drugs and alcohol. Whittle committed his first burglary in January 2005. He had spent 31 days on remand.

Philip Holden, defending, said Whittle accepted custody must follow. He had got himself in trouble through drugs and drink, in particular alcohol.

Whittle had spent the greater part of the last couple of years in custody, either serving sentences, or being recalled.

Mr Holden said: "It seems he will now be in custody for the best part of three years and for a young man of his age that will have a profound effect upon him."