A TRIPLE burglar has won his freedom to be assessed for a drug testing and treatment order.

David Gerald Harward, 32, who had been in custody, was given bail until July 10 by Burnley magistrates, who told him he had an appalling record.

Harward, of Brownhill Avenue, Burnley, had admitted three counts of burglary on March 23 and 26 and May 24.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said the defendant struck first at Gala Bingo, Burnley, where he helped himself to a purse and mobile phone after sneaking into an office.

He was captured on CCTV and identified.

Harward then raided Endsleigh Insurance in Burnley, where he took a cash box and wallet from the catering manager's briefcase.

He was again picked out after being caught on CCTV.

Mrs Reed said Harward then went into an office at Burnley ambulance station and was found searching through drawers.

He claimed he was looking for a pen and paper to write a phone number down.

The prosecutor added the defendant had a drug habit and stole to fund it.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Harward had been frank about his drug misuse and recognised it was the root of his offending.

He had been in custody since May 24.