A THIEF who went on a raiding spree at Burnley's Thompson Centre has been given until next January to prove he should not go to jail.

Stuart Jack Andrews, 30, took £800 from one victim and told police he had handed the spoils to two other people to pay off a debt, Burnley magistrates heard.

Andrews, in breach of three conditional discharges for theft, criminal damage and harassing his grandmother, had sentences deferred until January 25 after magistrates said it was being extremely lenient.

Andrews was told he must maintain his employment, save up to pay compensation, co-operate with the probation service and live a drug and crime-free lifestyle. The magistrates added between now and next January, Andrews had to prove to the court that he must not be sent to prison.

Andrews, of Athol Street North, Burnley, admitted two counts of theft, attempted theft and five counts of breach of a probation order. He asked for 17 offences to be considered.

Lesley Williams, prosecuting, said Andrews took property worth £3805.99, including £800 in cash from one victim. One man came out of the shower in time to see the defendant making off with his bag.

Andrews had earlier appeared in court after a course of conduct involving his grandmother. She had been unable to provide him with accommodation, because of his drugs and debts. The defendant had gone "berserk" and thrown things around in her home. He also kicked the door when she hadn't let him in.

Nick Dearing, defending, said Andrews didn't comply with court orders, but there was light at the end of the tunnel. He was now working at Great Universal Stores as a tele-marketing operative, the first time he has had a proper full-time job in his life. He was able to pay compensation, had cleared his debts to drug dealers, but would lose his job if he was sent to custody. Andrews had never been to prison before.

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