A WORKING men's club raider has been sent to prison for just two weeks -- because he was due to be released from custody and the offence could have been dealt with earlier.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Thomas McClung, 22, was already serving a sentence and his counsel said it was not the defendant's fault the case was not heard on a previous appearance.

McClung, due for release on April 8, was given 14 days, to be served concurrently to his current term.

Sentencing him, Recorder Kevin Grice said he had absolutely no doubt that if the offences had been before the court in December when he received his current sentence, he would have been given a longer sentence. But, he added, he had been persuaded the defence barrister's claim that to put back his release date would be unfair was right.

McClung, of Redearth Road, Darwen, had earlier been convicted of burglary. He also asked for an offence of stealing £3,000 worth of Pokemon pyjamas from a textile firm to be considered.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said last July the defendant went for a drink at Park View Working Men's Club, Clayton-le-Moors. After locking up, the steward heard the alarm and saw McClung and two others carrying what appeared to be cash boxes. They escaped and £500 was never recovered.

Anthony Cross, defending, said McClung had effectively been in custody since last July. It would be wrong when he was ready to be released on April 8 to give a sentence which would delay his release date. He was fixed on his release date and had started to make plans.