A MAN who avoided a jail sentence in January because of the comments of a law lord escaped another term behind bars when he escaped from Blackburn magistrates.

Michael Gareth Rollinson fled the court building after magistrates, who had earlier announced they were considering a custodial sentence for a burglary offence, said they were reconvening to a court room with a secure dock.

Rollinson, 26, of King Street, Bradshaw, Bolton, had earlier pleaded guilty to burglary in the Church of the Seventh Day Adventist in St Peter Street and theft of a stereo system.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said Rollinson had entered the premises by an unusual route. "It would seem he was on the roof looking for something to steal when he fell through a skylight," said Mr Standage.

"He lit a candle to find his way around the church and discovered the stereo system. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, he injured his ankle in the fall and was unable to carry it away with him," added Mr Standage.

He said two people who were also staying at the Salvation Army Hostel with Rollinson had subsequently gone to the church and removed the stereo and they had been arrested as they left.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Rollinson had not deliberately targeted the church but accepted he had been on the roof looking for property to steal. Mr Church-Taylor said: "It was a case of man from heaven rather than manna from heaven."

He said Rollinson had actually broken his ankle as he dropped in and was on crutches the following day when he told his tale to the couple who returned to the church and took the stereo system.

"They went off their own bat to take the stereo system and not at his request," said Mr Church-Taylor.