A BURGLAR who was put on probation and was then "lost" by the service, has kept his freedom for the offence committed three years ago.

Burnley Crown Court had been told how Christopher Eaton, also in breach of a conditional discharge, was not at home when a probation officer visited his home and was later arrested on warrant.

Eaton,23, was conditionally discharged for 12 months, after admitting breaching a probation order.

The defendant of Dale Street, Bacup, was told by Recorder David Sumner to behave himself and keep clear of crime and he would hear no more about it.

Roger Baldwin, prosecuting for the Probation Service, told the court the probation order was imposed in July 1997, for burglary at a flat.

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