A MAN with more than 30 burglary offences on his record has been given the chance to break free from crime - with the help of the Blackburn THOMAS charity.

Anthony Creighton was told by a judge at Preston Crown Court that he had been looking at a three year prison term.

Judge Anthony Proctor passed a non-custodial sentence after hearing how jail had locked up the defendant for periods in the past, but on release he got back into drugs and returned to offending.

At the end of a sentencing hearing he imposed a 12-month community rehabilitation order on the 32-year-old, with a condition to address his drug misuse and take up residency at the project called Those on the Margins of a Society - a residential drug and alcohol rehab unit based at St Anne's Church, Feilden Street.

The judge told Creighton, who was of no fixed address: "It will be more demanding than sitting in a prison cell.

"I am taking a huge chance.

"I am probably making a mistake - you prove me wrong."

The defendant had pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted burglary and two handling offences were taken into consideration.

Miss June Morris, prosecuting, told how an elderly woman lived at the address on Accrington Road, Blackburn, where Creighton tried to gain entry.

A neighbour heard noises and went to investigate.

A security light was on and the top of the man's head could be seen.

The offender made some excuses and left, but was arrested close by.

The defendant was apprehended as his clothing matched the description of the man seen at the home.

Creighton was very candid with police when interviewed about the attempted burglary which was carried out in February.