A BURGLAR went thieving in a bid to get cash to see his children.Joseph Jenkins, 20, was sent to detention for 18 months after a judge at Burnley Crown Court said he had not admitted his crime until forensic evidence linked him.

Jenkins, of The Crescent, Colne, admitted burglary and two counts of obtaining property by deception.

Sue Riley, prosecuting, said Jenkins struck at a house in Mason Street, Colne, and took credit cards. He later went into a shop and bought £11.35 worth of cigarettes and lager.

When the assistant noticed his signature was different from that on the credit card, Jenkins said he was drunk. He became restless and swore and police were called.

Jenkins then went to a service station, where again the signature was different. An officer turned up and arrested him.

Forensic evidence later linked fragments of glass on Jenkins' clothing to broken glass at the burgled house.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Jenkins had not seen his children for a considerable period of time and wanted cash to visit them.

The window was already broken at the house, the raid was not at night time and the house was unoccupied.

Jenkins was of very limited ability and was illiterate. That was why he was so unsuccessful with the credit cards.

Mr Crawford went on: "He is by no means a semi-professional burglar.

"He is not necessarily destined for a life of crime unlike those who have chosen crime as a career option."

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