A PUB raider - part of a gang who sneaked cash from behind the bar - kept his freedom after a judge said he could be turning over a new leaf.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Scott Fallon, 31, had more than 60 previous convictions, but had recently been trying to stay on the straight and narrow.

Fallon was given a two-year community rehabilitation order by Recorder Kevin Grice who said he "might just be in the process of changing".

Recorder Grice told the defendant, who had claimed he was a look-out, he had not put forward a "cock and bull story", before a jury. He had not got into more trouble and was trying to work.

Fallon, of Scout Road, Waterfoot, admitted burglary.

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, told the court £50 was taken from the White Horse, Waterfoot, after the manager and his partner had gone to bed.

The manager went downstairs and found the bar lights on. He tried to contact the police but the landline cable had been cut outside.

Officers arrived after a mobile call and discovered entry had been forced to the premises. The defendant was arrested eight days later and was in possession of a screwdriver.

He told officers his finger prints and footwear impressions were at the point of entry because he went to help people escape.