A BURGLAR with 20 similar offences under his belt is behind bars for 15 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Wayne Roberts, 20, would soon be 21 and was dreading being transferred to Preston Prison where his brother died in 1997.

The fear of an adult jail plus the memories of what happened to his brother had motivated him to kick his drug habit -- and he wanted to stay that way.

Judge David Pirie told Roberts he had been given chances to deal with his drug addiction in the past but it may be a combination of factors had led him to genuinely want to do something about it.

He said it was desirable the sentence should be as short as possible to give him a degree of encouragement.

Roberts, of William Street, Brierfield, admitted burglary in August.

John McClure, prosecuting, said a woman looking after a house on Cog Lane, Burnley, checked it was secure and shortly after left the premises.

Police were called by neighbours and an officer found the defendant climbing down a ladder carrying a bag and a large box.