A HOUSE raider who went into the property next door through the loft may escape custody - and be helped with his battle against drugs instead.

Burnley Crown Court heard how John Cheetham, 25, helped himself to property to the tune of almost £1,000 but later handed himself in at the police station.

Cheetham was bailed until February 1 for assessment to see if he is suitable for a drugs programme.

Judge Barbara Watson said she was not giving any indication that that was the route she was going to follow, but the court needed to know if he was suitable for the programme.

She added the defendant had made great strides in his battle against drugs, but there had now been a relapse.

Cheetham, of Heron's Reach, Haslingden, admitted burglary, between August and September. He must live at his given address and observe a curfew from 9pm until 7am. Cheetham had no previous convictions.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, said the defendant struck at a house in Holly Street, Nelson, which was unoccupied at the time, but furnished. He was renting the house next door. Property worth £905 was taken after drawers and cupboards had been entered.

Cheetham voluntarily handed himself in at the police station on September 4 and admitted having broken into the property through the loft.

He had taken a video recorder, television and microwave and planned to sell the haul to a second hand goods shop to support his drug habit.