A CAREER crook said to have been part of a gang of raiders which left a £50,000 trail of destruction at a Nelson ex-care home, is facing jail.

Mark Smith, 54, was caught on stairs in 50-room Oakfield House on Edith Street, when the owner arrived to check on the property.

Smith gave the victim an explanation for being there.

Smith appeared very sweaty, looked agitated and was 'tooled up,' to take metal. He owned up to burgling the premises, Burnley magistrates heard.

The hearing was told the owner discovered fittings including copper tanks, copper piping and radiators had been removed and damage worth more than £50,000 had been caused at the former home for the elderly.

Smith of Whitehall Street, Nelson, admitted burglary with intent to steal on July 22 and was committed to the crown court for sentence by magistrates who said he had a significant record for similar offences.