A DRUNK broke into a house and threatened the owner with a knife.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Christopher Wilson, 26, went to the property in the early hours and smashed a large double glazed window.

The day after he told the owner he had taken her stereo and produced the weapon "in some sort of threat."

Sending the defendant to jail for 12 months, Recorder Kelvin Talbot said drink had been the cause of much of his offending over the years and only custody could be justified.

Wilson, of Spring Street, Rishton, had admitted burglary and having an offensive weapon.

Adam Lodge, defending, said Wilson had not intended to carry out the burglary. He had wanted to reclaim a debt owed to him and it was only the next day he realised what he had done.

Mr Lodge said Wilson had shown considerable remorse for his actions and for the distress they had caused the complainant.

The defendant, who last year was assaulted and had had to have several brain scans, now knew his alcohol problem had to be addressed. He realised it would not be easy and that he would not be able to do it alone.

Mr Lodge urged the court to give Wilson a chance to work on his difficulties by imposing a community rehabilitation order.