A YOUNG man who turned to crime to fund a drug habit ended up being something of an unlucky criminal, Preston Crown Court was told.

Stephen Gregson tried to burgle a house on Welbeck Avenue, Blackburn, but after entering a conservatory, he found himself having to use a broom to fend off the owner's dog.

Neighbours heard the commotion and alerted police.

On another occasion, Gregson had handled over £600 worth of jewellery.

The family of the woman who fell victim were suspicious that he might be involved. As a result, he was bundled into a car and led the way to a house where he had sold the goods.

The 20-year-old of Wareham Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to attempting to burgle a home on North Banks Avenue on May 13. He had tried a door, but could not get in.

His fingerprints were later found on the door.

He also admitted handling £680 worth of jewellery taken during the burglary on May 22 and also burgling a house on Welbeck Avenue on June 11.

He was sentenced to a total of 18 months youth custody.

Paul Hague, prosecuting, told the court the occupants of the house on Welbeck Avenue were at work when neighbours heard a barking dog and saw Gregson in the conservatory.

Richard Hunt, defending, said the conservatory door had been left open for the home owner's dog. Neighbours saw Gregson using a broom to keep the dog away.

Gregson had pleaded guilty and been in custody since June 11. He was now drug-free.

The court also heard that at the time of the offences, the defendant had been in the process of a drug treatment and testing order.