A YOUNG housebreaker was today staring his first jail term after a judge told him he had run out of chances.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Christopher Bennett, 20, found sitting on a sofa in a neighbouring property stuffing cash down his sock, offended because of an "overwhelming desire," to feed his drug habit.

Sending Bennett to custody for 15 months, Judge Barbara Watson said the courts had "strained," to keep him away from detention. He had been given the chance to get help from the probation service but had chosen not to take it.

Bennett, of Bear Street, Burnley, admitted burglary and handling stolen goods.

Elizabeth Spears, prosecuting, said a householder was disturbed in the night and noticed property missing from his home, including £30 in a lockable metal box and jewellery to the tune of £1,500. He and a neighbour searched the area and when they returned the defendant was sitting on the neighbour's setee putting money down his sock.

Anthony Cross, defending, said Bennett had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and recognised he now faced his first custodial sentence.