A HOUSEBREAKER told a judge he had been out of trouble for eight months - and added: "That's a long time for me."

Father-to-be Steve O'Callaghan, 26, was allowed into the witness box at Burnley Crown Court because he wanted to tell Judge Raymond Bennett about his new settled life.

O'Callaghan, who said he was now friends with his victim, who had told him she didn't hate him, added he had been coming to court since he was 12 and was now sick if it.

O'Callaghan, said to have been the lookout for the break-in committed with an accomplice at the friend's cousin's home, was sent to prison for nine months. The defendant, of Harold Avenue, Burnley, admitted burglary and had eight previous convictions for similar offences.

Martin Hackett, prosecuting, told the court the complainant went out and returned home in the early hours to find her rear kitchen window had been smashed. Property, including a video recorder, had been taken and the defendant was later arrested. When he was interviewed, O'Callaghan said he had sold the haul for about £85. Paul Hague, defending, said O'Callaghan had been out drinking with the aggrieved's cousin and the friend knew the victim was out. O'Callaghan acted as lookout and it wasn't his idea to burgle the house.

When the defendant was arrested, he told police he wasn't a burglar, but he had previous convictions for the offence. O'Callaghan had no educational advantages, but had been in work for long periods of time. He had now settled down with his girlfriend and the couple were expecting a baby. He also had a home of his own for the first time in many years.

Mr Hague added O'Callaghan had a determination and resolve to stay out of trouble and was determined to get a job to support his new family. He now had something to work for.

Mr Hague went on to say O'Callaghan had been to custody several times in the past and it had never done him any good. He had apologised to the woman whose home he had burgled and the two had become friends.

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