A BURGLAR from Rishton who ransacked his victim's home after kicking in the door has been jailed for eight months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kenneth MacFarlane, 36, said to suffer from epilepsy and to have drink problems, left blood at the premises in Blackburn, which forensic analysis later proved to be his.

MacFarlane was jailed after a judge said only custody could be justified. Recorder Anthony McLoughlin told him people placed a great deal of store by the security of their own homes.

The defendant, of Hermitage Street, had earlier admitted burglary. He was sent to prison for eight months to be served after the four month unexpired portion of his previous sentence.

Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court the offence took place at a house in Blackburn last May.

Victim Paul Carrington was staying at his brother's, and was contacted to say he had been burgled and returned home to find his home had been ransacked. Ornamental figurines had been taken.

The defendant was arrested and interviewed four days later and made no comment. Mr Mathieson said MacFarlane was rearrested and interviewed again in August and claimed blood was found at the house because he had had a fight with Mr Carrington. He said he had been at home all the night the offence took place.