THREE men planned to raid a house after one of them fell out with his former landlady, a court heard.

Robin Thompson, 38, who had no previous convictions, and William Poole, 18, carried out the £2,000 burglary, but Dominic Wilson, 19, who had smashed a window, had a change of heart and backed out, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Van driver Thompson, of St Margaret's Gardens, Hapton, was given 120 hours community service, with £109 compensation and £100 costs. He admitted burglary.

Labourer Wilson, of Manchester Road, Hapton, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and was given 12 months probation, with £110 compensation.

Poole, of Marshall Avenue, Huncoat, was put on probation for 12 months, after admitting burglary and being committed for sentence by Pennine magistrates. He must pay £109 compensation and £75 costs.

Sara Dodd, prosecuting, said Wilson had formerly lodged at the burgled house, but the landlady had bolted the front door to make sure he couldn't get back in after he got behind with the rent.

Friends and relations of Wilson had tried to collect his belongings and after the woman went on holiday, a neighbour heard a noise about 5.30am. Thompson and Poole were seen taking property out of the back of the house, in Wilton Street, Burnley, and loading Thompson's car.

Police found a broken window, cut wires from a computer system and other items missing.

All the property was later found at an address in Airdrie Crescent, Burnley, and all three defendants were later arrested.

Kathryn Johnson, for Thompson, a father-of-three, said his involvement was limited and he had been foolish.

Representing Wilson, Kevin Donnelly said the defendant had not gone into the property

Paul Hague, defending Poole, said he was gullible and lacking in assertiveness and was certainly not a leader in the offence.

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