A LONG-TIME criminal who cashed a stolen pension book, has kept his freedom -- and thanked the judge.

Michael Creggon, 55, had stayed out of trouble for some time, even though he had an "extensive record," Burnley Crown Court heard.

Creggon, of Chapel Street, Nelson, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 costs, after admitting handling stolen goods and obtaining property by deception.

Sentencing him, Judge David Pirie said over the years he had got quite a long criminal record.

However, he noted that in recent years things had somewhat improved and the 55-year-old had managed to stay free from offending.

William Staunton, prosecuting, said a burglary took place in Nelson and a pension book was stolen.

A week afterwards, the defendant went into the post office on Leeds Road, Nelson, and presented a book which appeared to have a signature authorising him to obtain £55.30.