A BURGLAR has got five months to keep himself out of trouble - and keep his freedom into the bargain.

Gary Hindle, 19, who struck at a property on Edge End Lane, Great Harwood, could not remember what had happened because he had had problems with LSD, cannabis and alcohol, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Hindle had sentence deferred for five months, by Judge Raymond Bennett, who told him if he stayed out of trouble for the next five months, he would not send him to detention, but if he did not, he would probably end up in custody.

Hindle, of Cattle Street, Great Harwood, admitted burglary and asked for an offence to be considered. Sentence was deferred until July 7.

The court heard the occupant of the house went on holiday and left his home secure. When he returned, he found the patio door had been forced open and a tidy search had been made of all rooms. His wife's jewellery and a TV set, worth £1,378, had been taken. Hindle told police he had had problems with LSD, cannabis and alcohol.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.