A HOUSE raider, aged 13, who started his criminal career at the age of 10, has won a fight to have his term of custody cut.

The teenager, who had been given an 18-month detention and training order by youth magistrates, had the sentence reduced to 12 months.

The boy's mother had earlier told a court she wanted him at home, but she was living with her new boyfriend and he would not be happy if she took her son back.

His aunt had offered him a home if he won his freedom and told Burnley Crown Court his mother did not want him.

She said the appellant had to prove he could stay out of trouble and added: "I believe I can stop him offending."

The teenager, from Clayton-le-Moors, had appealed against sentence imposed after he had been convicted of three burglaries, criminal damage in a phone box and escaping from social services custody.

All the offences were committed in his home town.

Ian Dacre, for the appellant, said his offending behaviour was shocking for one so young.

He had begun his criminal career at the age of 10 and his difficulties had been compounded by his mother's inability to control him.

The teenager's aunt said there was no "communication" between the teenager and his mother and he had lived with her family for a couple of months until his mother became "jealous" and told him he had to go home.

The aunt told the court the boy listened to her and went on: "If he doesn't listen, he gets grounded."

Mr Dacre said the 18-month order was too long for somebody the child's age.