A BURGLAR spent just a week with his newborn son before he was taken into custody.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Wayne Banham, 32, who burgled a house just after Christmas, had since been reflecting on separation from his partner and child and may have reached a turning point in his life.

Banham was jailed for two years and a judge told him she hoped the birth of the baby would help him lead a more law-abiding and responsible life.

Judge Lesley Newton added there was no alternative to prison.

Banham, of Cutler Crescent, Stacksteads, had admitted burglary and been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale magistrates.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said the burgled house on Cutler Crescent was left secure but a window was broken and property worth £850, including electrical goods and jewellery, was taken on December 28.

A search warrant was executed at another house on the road, occupied by the defendant and others, and much of the stolen property was found there.

Banham, who had 57 previous convictions, was interviewed and claimed someone had brought the property to him asking him if he could sell it. He told officers he had given them £10.

Alexandra Simmonds, defending, said Banham had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. The offence was serious and clearly custody must follow. The defendant knew the house would be unoccupied, the window was already insecure, there was no ransacking and the property was recovered.