TWO plucky teenagers caught a criminal red-handed when they spotted the hammer-wielding man trying to break a lock at Towneley Golf Club.
Burnley Magistrates heard how the pair challenged ex-convict Matthew Holgate, 26, followed him home and told his parents what he had been up to.
They were threatened by the defendant but Holgate was later arrested.
Holgate, of Hufling Lane, Burnley, admitted attempted burglary with intent to steal. He was given 60 hours' community punishment.
Mr Robinson, prosecuting, said when Holgate was interviewed, he said he had been looking for cash to pay off a drug debt.
Nick Dearing, defending, said Holgate had owed a small amount of money for ecstasy bought at nightclubs and not hard drugs.
He had been working until about a month ago, but had to give the job up.
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