A DOUBLE sneak thief once thought to be too sick to enter a plea in court has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Craig Jolly, 19, once said to suffer hallucinations and delusions, was getting himself back on track according to medical experts.

Sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett said he recognised when the defendant had offended he had not been his normal self, although his condition was self induced due to cannabis and alcohol.

Jolly, of End Street, Colne, admitted two counts of burglary. He was given a two year community rehabilitation order.

Roger Green, prosecuting, told the court last October the defendant went into the Colne MOT centre and stole £15 from a cash box while the receptionist was missing. He was identified by members of staff because he had gone there looking for work. Jolly was arrested, made full admissions, was charged and released on bail.

A month later, he crept into Physique Training Equipment, Barrowford Road, Colne, and helped himself to wallets and purses after going through the coats of staff. He was followed by an employee and was found in a nearby back yard.

He was arrested, £29 was taken from him and when he was questioned, Jolly fully admitted what he had done.

Mark Stuart, defending, said although it had been at first thought Jolly was not fit to enter a plea, he was now well enough to be dealt with.