A FORMER businessman who told police a woman had raided his home and then claimed insurance cash is behind bars for 18 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Philip Taylor, 55, had put another woman under pressure to back up his story.

Judith Smith, who claimed she had had a relationship with Taylor, ended up being arrested accused of burglary but denied any involvement, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Taylor, of Piper Hollin , Haslingden, had earlier been convicted by a jury of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Roger Green, prosecuting, said the defendant reported a burglary had taken place at his home while he and his wife were on holiday.

He claimed jewellery had been taken, including a gent's diamond ring worth £1,100, and said a wedding ring and gold chains were also missing.

Three months later Taylor got in touch with police again and claimed Miss Smith was responsible for the burglary.

He told officers he had been handed several items of property stolen from him and said Miss Lord had handed over two rings to him.

Mr Green said police made enquiries and Miss Lord went along with the defendant's account, saying she had got rings from Miss Smith worth £100.

Miss Smith was eventually arrested on suspicion of burglary. She said she had had a relationship with the defendant and he had given her gifts, including jewellery.

She said after the burglary, Taylor had told her to remove jewellery from his home and he would report it stolen. She said he had then asked her to sell the diamond ring for £65.

The prosecutor said when police went back to Carole Lord she admitted making a false statement and said she had been put under pressure to do so. Taylor had no previous convictions.

Charles Brown, defending, said Taylor expressed his deep and sincere remorse. He was sorry for the trouble he had caused but realised he had nobody to blame but himself for his predicament.

Mr Brown said the offence had been committed at a time when major changes had been going on in the defendant's life. He had suffered the loss of the successful business he had built up, his health had been failing and he had been relying on benefits.

The defendant's marriage had at the time been going through dificulties but it was now perhaps stronger than ever.

Mr Brown went on: "The very fact the defendant will be going to prison, however long or short the period, will be a severe punishment in itself for a man in this position.

"He has learned a very sharp lesson he will never forget for the rest of his life."