A YOUNG house breaker who struck for the third time has been given a 29-month jail term -- concurrent to five months he is already serving.

Burnley Crown Court heard Andrew Wayne Flynn, 20, had to be given the mandatory three-year custodial sentence, minus 20 per cent "discount" for a guilty plea, because he had clocked up three break-ins in three years.

Sentencing, Recorder Yvonne Coppell, told the defendant he had an appalling record and he readily accepted he was going to jail. Flynn, of Ebor Street, Burnley, admitted burglary.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, told the court the victims left their property in August but it appeared the front door may not have been closed properly.

The defendant took full advantage by entering the house, searching both upstairs and downstairs and taking £300 in cash, jewellery and other items worth £525.

Mr Standage said police inquiries revealed forensic evidence linking the defendant to the burglary.