A BURGLAR sent to jail for three years was called back to court four days later so a judge could tell him the sentence was unlawful.

Judge Raymond Bennett told Mark Wilson, 23, that he had earlier ordered that the new three-year term should start at the end of his current term for breach of licence.

He said the three years sentence would now start on the day it was passed.

The judge apologised to the defendant for having to return to Burnley Crown Court, but added it was to his benefit and he would be "slightly better off."

The court head earlier heard how Wilson struck at a house on Whalley Road, Accrington, helping himself to a £1,855 haul, including jewellery.

Blood was left at the scene and traced to Wilson, who was tracked down to Preston Prison.

Wilson, whose address was given as the jail, committed the offence 24 days after his release from custody.