ADRIAN Preston's small size meant he was an obvious choice to carry out a raid on a Blackburn home.

Persuaded by others to commit burglary, he climbed into the address on Fawcett Close to steal home brewed beer and some wine.

He was arrested several days later and admitted having struck at other places.

Preston, 18, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary. He asked for eight further offences of burglary to be considered.

Chris Godfrey, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said the home on Fawcett Close was burgled in March.

A bathroom window had been smashed and muddy footprints were found leading into the house. Nine bottles of home brew had been stolen and a bottle of wine.

Four days later police went to a house on Linden Crescent, Darwen, where Preston was found hiding under a sofa bed.

In a police interview he admitted the crime, saying the plan had been to take a Play Station the occupant was thought to own. He went on to admit other offences as well.

The burglaries taken into consideration covered a period from October last year to February this year and involved just over £5,000 worth of property in all.

Miss Janet Ironfield, defending, said Preston had been with others. There was some suggestion they would spend the day together, drinking beer, but as time passed no beer appeared. That led to someone else suggesting the burglary.

Miss Ironfield said: "The burglary was not my client's idea. Another person smashed the window and the defendant was then persuaded to go through, being small enough to do so. He handed out beer and wine to the others in his group."

Judge Philip Sycamore decided to adjourn sentence to assess whether Preston would be suitable for a possible community rehabilitation.

He remanded him on bail to a Carlisle probation hostel until July 17, when he is due to be sentenced at Lancaster Crown Court.