A BLIND burglar and his carer broke into a house to steal electrical goods, a court heard.

Rory Grady, 32, who is blind, and Nichola Bailey, 32, struck at the Accrington property, which was furnished but not lived in, on New Year’s Day, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Bailey, who is Grady's carer, was subject to a suspended sentence at the time and was told by a judge she did not appear to be learning her lesson. Recorder Andrew Loveridge said the pair had taken advantage of an opportunity that was presented to them.

He added: "It’s the sort of rather pathetic offending that has dogged the pair of you for a considerable number of years."

The defendants, of Norfolk Grove, Church, had both admitted burglary with intent to steal. They were each given nine months in jail, suspended for 12 months with supervision and a three month curfew.

The court was told damage was caused at the property, with copper piping cut and floorboards removed, but the defendants pleaded guilty on the basis they were not responsible for that.

Jenny Ashworth, for Bailey, said the pair came across the unoccupied property, which was in a considerable degree of disrepair. Nothing was stolen.

Bailey had not offended since and had brought about a significant change in her life. For the first time she was on a methadone programme. It appeared to be going well and she was subjected to regular testing.

Miss Ashworth added the defendant was also on medication for depression and was in stable accommodation for the first time. She had taken on the burden of caring for Grady on a full-time basis.

The barrister said: "She has the support of the community drugs team and support from her GP. It would be a significant step back for her if she were to lose her liberty and in the long term the public may be better served by a period of supervision and a curfew."