A HOTELIER who helped himself to a video recorder and whisky bottle of cash from a woman he knew has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Trevor Dundas, 27, formerly of Burnley, was now running a hotel in the Lake District and said to have turned a corner in his life.

Dundas, who is soon to be married, was given 100 hours' community punishment by Recorder Michael Blakey who warned him if he flouted it he could be brought back before the court and resentenced.

The judge told the defendant people who committed burglary normally went to jail but the offence, at a flat in Holly House, Burnley, was a "low level burglary."

Recorder Blakey said although Dundas had previous convictions it was the first time he had committed a burglary, there was minimal damage to the victim's property and the stolen goods were of low value.

He told the defendant: "This was a mean offence. You knew this lady, you took her things but however there was no confrontation, no wanton damage and no ransacking.

"It's clear that you have had your difficulties in the past, mainly with drink, but you appear to have sorted that out."

He continued: "For all these reasons I am able to deal with you in a non custodial way."

The defendant, of Three Quay, Ulverston, Cumbria, admitted burglary.