A TEENAGE burglar who targeted the same family home three times in nine days, has been sent to detention for three years.

Burnley Crown Court heard how John Barnard's victims were frightened to go home because of what may await them and had been "deeply traumatised."

Judge Raymond Bennett said the family must have felt there was nowhere safe for them to live.

Barnard, of Sabden Road, Higham, had admitted three counts of burglary and been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates. He asked for one offence, of burglary with intent to steal at the village hall in Higham, to be considered.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said the defendant had "infested," the complainants' home in Higham.

Barnard helped himself to property worth several hundred pounds, although on the second raid he left empty-handed.

The defendant was arrested last October, but denied any involvement.

Mr Lindley said when Barnard was later confronted with forensic evidence from the house, he immediately confessed.

Tim Storrie, defending, said the burglaries had marked a significant "step up," in Barnard's offending and this would be his first sentence of detention. It was not something any 18-year-old would take lightly.

Mr Storrie added Barnard, who hoped to become an orderly in custody, was remorseful for his involvement in the offences.