BURGLARS who raided a house just before Christmas were caught out when glass fragments from tree decorations were found on their shoes.

Jason Bancroft, 18, and Clarke Townsend, 17, struck as a couple slept in their beds five days before Christmas, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Both teenagers were sent to a young offenders institution for 15 months.

Sentencing Townsend, Assistant Recorder Robert Warnock said he had committed the offence within a relatively short time of being released from a 12-month term of detention.

He said the defendant had an "appalling record for house burglary," and must first serve 56 days of the unexpired portion of the previous sentence.

The judge said he had been told custody was not a deterrent for Bancroft. He went on: "That's somewhat pathetic.

"There is going to come a time when you are going to have to look after yourself and be responsible. There is potential good in you."

Bancroft, of St John Street, Clayton-le-Moors, and Townsend, of Richmond Avenue, Accrington, both admitted burglary, last December. Ciaran Rankin, prosecuting, said the victims heard floorboards creak and saw a figure enter the bedroom. The intruder, wearing a hooded top, ran off in the direction of a nearby park.

When the occupant went downstairs in his home, in Manchester Road, Accrington, he found some Christmas tree decorations broken.

Forensic analysis of the burglars' shoes linked glass fragments to the broken baubles.

Paul Hague, for Bancroft, said the house was thought to be empty and the burglars immediately fled when they found out it was not. Bancroft did not go upstairs.

The defendant showed alarming signs of being institutionalised, settled happily in custody and was trusted to work locally with the handicapped when he was a prisoner. He could not cope outside custody.

For Townsend, Martin Hackett said the defendant, one of four burglars, did not go upstairs. Townsend showed a great degree of immaturity.

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