AN ex-convict twice broke into the same coffee shop by smashing his way through the roof.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Thomas Leverett, 43, helped himself to cash, took a charity box and on the second occasion caused £1,000 damage. He was bailed for a pre-sentence report.

The defendant, of Florence Avenue, Burnley, admitted burglary at St James Coffee House on St James Street, Burnley, and asked for one offence to be considered.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said Leverett first struck on March 28 when he broke into two one-armed bandits, stole £500 and caused £200 damage.

On April 13 , he again went back to the shop and forced open a machine. He also helped himself to a charity box and caused £1000 damage.

The prosecutor said the victim's business was disrupted after it was damaged as the premises had to be clean and hygienic for the business to be carried out.

Leverett told police he got into the shop by "booting in" the ceiling and money from the raids was spent on drink..

Trevor Grice, defending, said Leverett had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He was on community rehabilitation imposed at Burnley Crown Court, had not offended since and was doing very well.

The solicitor urged the court to give "careful consideration," to a concurrent community rehabilitation order.