A DRUG addict rang police to say a house was being burgled - but didn't mention he was doing it.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Thomas Fitzpatrick, 23, made the call because he felt remorse when he realised his victim was a woman living alone.

Fitzpatrick was jailed for 12 months by a judge who told him what he had done was "highly unusual."

Recorder Kevin Talbot added the defendant was not to be regarded as a hopeless case and the sentence he was passing was lenient.

Fitzpatrick, of Clough Street, Burnley, admitted burglary at Crowther Street, Burnley, in August.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said the victim came back from work to find a television and jewellery worth £350 had been stolen.

Two police officers had heard a burglar alarm, drove to where it was coming from and saw a group of youths running away.

They detained and searched the group and one of them, Fitzpatrick, had a television remote control and jewellery. He was arrested and interviewed and told police he had been drinking. He had phoned police to tell them the burglary was taking place, but did not tell them he was the burglar.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Fitzpatrick knew he was going to custody. He had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. When he realised the gravity of what he had done, the defendant rang police and told them what had happened. That showed his remorse for the offence.

Fitzpatrick had been involved in drugs but on this occasion, drink was perhaps the catalyst. He was not by any means a hopeless case and remand in custody had brought him to his senses. He had never been locked up before, and it had been a shocking and salutory experience for him.

Mr Crawford added Fitzpatrick did feel he could get on top of his drug problem. He had not been using drugs while in custody, had a stable relationship and something to come out to.

He went on: "There are some prospects and some potential for the future. This sentence will bring him to his senses."

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