rWHEN a burglar tried to break into a Leigh shop it cost the owner over £400 for a new laminated glass door and to further secure the premises. He had to pay up right away.

In court in December the failed raider was ordered to pay £150 compensation at the rate of £40 a month.

Up to last week he had only paid £60 off his debt.

When the dealer rang the court clerk's office to find out what was happening he alleged he was told to give him time.

Why is it the victims who have to suffer? If the court had paid the compensation from a fund and the convicted felon had to repay the court there'd be no such sympathy then.