A LOUD bang coming from a Darwen address alerted a neighbour to the fact that a burglary had occurred.

The police were called. Alfred Gray was seen walking away from the property with a woman and found a short distance away.

He was jailed for 18 months by a Preston Crown Court judge who said Gray was no stranger to crime. The 29-year-old, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and handling.

The burglary at a home on Norris Street, Darwen, arose in May. Mr Chris Godfrey, prosecuting, said the owner was not present at the time. A neighbour heard a loud bang and saw a large patio door had been smashed.

The defendant and a woman were seen walking away. Police were contacted and the couple apprehended.

Gray went on to make full and frank admissions.