A MAN involved in a £7,000 raid on a Blackburn house within days of being let out of prison has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years.

But Martin Haggan must first serve 90 days outstanding licence from a previous custodial sentence.

Haggan, 30, of Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burgling a house in Britwell Close.

Amanda Johnson, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court that a couple went away for the weekend, leaving their home locked, with a security alarm. They were still away on the Sunday when their son got in touch to say there had been a burglary.

Kitchen curtains had been ripped down, a window was wide open and the house was a complete mess, with personal property strewn all over, said the prosecution.

A large number of items had been stolen, electrical equipment, jewellery and other property totalling around £7,000.

As a result of what had happened, the victims felt insecure in their home afterwards and had difficulty sleeping. Police took fingerprints and identified a palm print as Haggan's.

He told police a friend had gone to his house that morning.

He had no money and had gone to the address for a look around.

Haggan claimed a window had already been open and that his friend took most of the property. The man was sentenced to two-and-a-half years prison when he appeared in court.

Richard Hunt, defending, said the burglary was committed within a matter of days of Haggan's release from prison.

The defendant claimed that the other person was the prime mover.

Mr Hunt added: "He still had not had his money sorted out after his release. Being strapped for cash, he saw the opportunity and took it."

The judge, Recorder David Wilby QC, told Haggan he had an unenviable record. "This was a very serious dwelling house burglary. Your wish for a few pounds to tide you over, if that is the case, has caused untold sadness and insecurity."