A HOUSE-BREAKER escaped jail after a judge told him he wanted to knock some sense into him.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Craig Parkinson, 19, was terrified of the prospect of jail even though that was the fate usually awaiting raiders.

Parkinson was given 200 hours' community punishment by Judge Michael Byrne, who told him he wanted him to pay back to the community what he had taken.

Parkinson, of Reed Street, Burnley, admitted burglary.

John Woodward, defending, said Parkinson had pleaded guilty and shown contrition and remorse. He was lightly convicted and had not been in much trouble in his young life. The defendant had had a troubled upbringing, which was perhaps not his fault although no doubt he had to share some responsibility.

Mr Woodward told the court Parkinson seemed to have taken a liking to alcohol and that was something for concern. If he had not had as much to drink his greater sense of judgement would have got the better of him and he wouldn't have done what he did.