A LITTLE girl was so upset by a raid on her house she would not go home for several days - but the man responsible was allowed to walk free by a judge.

Burnley Crown Court heard the 10-year-old child's mother was physically sick by what awaited her when she returned to their Dowry Street, Blackburn, home.

Raider Leslie Holt, 40, who then lived on the same street, later told police he had found a bag in a back alley and had taken it home for safe keeping.

Holt, of Greatenhurst Close, Blackburn, admitted burglary and was given a two year community rehabilitation order.

Recorder Yvonne Coppel told the defendant his actions had caused considersble upset to the victims.

"You must realise the impact this sort of offence has on people who lead ordinary and decent lives."

The judge added, however, that after reading pre-sentence and psychiatric reports, she was prepared to take an exceptional course.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, said last November, the family whose home was burgled went away for the weekend.

A neighbour had noticed a light in the back alley had not been working, heard a smash and called police. He saw the defendant walk out of the backyard.

The neighbour and another resident then noticed the kitchen window broken. They saw the shadow of Holt in an upstairs room and he then opened the kitchen door, carrying a box of compact discs.

Mr Horgan said the neighbours asked the defendant what he was doing, there was a brief conversation and he then closed the door and went inside. The pair then heard the front door open and close.

Tim Ashmole, defending, said Holt accepted the offence must have been very distressing for the householders.