A SCHOOLBOY burglar has kept his freedom but has 12 weeks to show he can pull up his socks.

The 15-year-old, whose appearance at crown court was said by a judge to have made her "depressed," was given a three months Action Plan Order in a bid to make him look at the consequences of his offending and behaviour and the effects of drinking.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told by Judge Barbara Watson the sentence was not an easy option, and if it did not go well, the case would have to be looked at again.

The youth, from Great Harwood, had earlier admitted burglary, last June.

Philip Holden, prosecuting, said the victim lived at Byrom Square, Great Harwood, and went out leaving his home secure.

He returned in the afternoon to find a window in a side door had been smashed and property worth £130, including cash, tobacco and a stuffed badger had been taken. The raid was reported to the police and fingerprint evidence from inside the premises was identified as the defendant's.

The 15-year-old was arrested in July and said he had broken into the house and stolen the tobacco but not the cash or the badger.

Richard Hunt, defending at Burnley Crown Court, said the teenager was very upset by what had happened and the situation he had found himself in.

He had been drinking on the day of the offence, was full and frank about his involvement and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

The ultimate question was whether he was going to be dealt with in a formal institution and what was going to be in the defendant's best interests and the best interests of society. Mr Hunt said the 15-year-old could be given the "yellow card," and told that if he appeared before court again the bench would have no alternative but to send him to custody.

Although the defendant was illiterate, he was able to accept his behaviour was anti-social and he regretted his actions.

The offence was out of character and he had allowed himself to be influenced by his peers and alcohol.

Mr Hunt added it would be better for the defendant to mix with the right types in the youth offending team and the probation service than the wrong types in a young offenders' institution.