A HOUSE breaker responsible for ransacking a property three years ago has kept his freedom because he has since changed his ways.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Gary Jones, 19, who was identified as the culprit by his fingerprints only this year was given 180 hours community service and must pay £338 compensation.

Sentencing him, Judge David Pirie said if he had come before the courts when the offence was committed, he would almost certainly have lost his liberty. He went on: "In the last three years, you have largely changed your ways and committed no other offences of burglary. In the circumstances, it would be wrong at this stage to deprive you of your liberty."

Jones, of Allen Critchlow Way, Rishton, admitted burglary, and asked for two offences to be considered.

Andrew Brown, prosecuting, said the burgled property was in Water Street, Accrington, and the occupier returned to find the house had been targeted and property was missing. The house was in a tip, with furniture turned over and drawers emptied and turned over. A compact disc player, camera and other goods had been stolen.

The victim found that a kitchen window which had been nailed down had been forced open, but the upstairs of the house had not been entered. Finger prints were taken and three years later were identified as being the defendant's.

Mr Brown said when Jones was interviewed he said he had climbed into the house through a back window and stolen property. It was such a long time ago, he could not remember what he had done.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Jones, who worked for Slinger's, had stayed clear of trouble since the offences were committed. They occurred at a time when he was living in Accrington and mixing with others. The defendant was able to do community service.