A BURGLAR who was given a chance by a judge and blew it has had to face the music. He is behind bars for 18 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard Kieron Furlong, 27, had been given a community punishment order but his barrister said he had "failed spectacularly," to comply with it.

Sentencing the defendant, Judge Barbara Watson said he had been given a "very significant opportunity," which involved him keeping his freedom.

He had then left court without making an appointment with a probation officer and had failed to co-operate with the service.

The judge added Furlong had an "appalling record for burglary," and he had faced a variety of disposals in the past, including non-custodial penalties.

Furlong, of Rifle Street, Haslingden, had been convicted of burglary. He admitted breaching a community punishment order.

Michael Lavery, defending, said Furlong had not responded to the community punishment order. At the time he had been subject to a curfew order as well.

He had gone to work in Wales on building sites. He found it impossible to complete the order but realised he should have made it a priority.

The barrister said the fact the defendant could earn some money was attractive to him and was an opportunity he could not pass.

Mr Lavery said Furlong had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to the burglary and did not receive any financial benefit. He had committed it at a time when he was in drink with others. Custody was inevitable but the defendant was apologetic for his actions.