A VICTIM of repeat burglaries installed a security camera at his home -- and later recognised a neighbour caught on video raiding his property.

Intruder Robert Farrington was faced with the bizarre situation of watching his own crime on TV when the CCTV footage was played at Preston Crown court during his sentencing hearing.

He saw tape of himself calmly looking around the home of John Deery on Gloucester Road, Blackburn.

Farrington, 23, also of Gloucester Road, had been committed by magistrates for sentence at the higher court for two burglaries. He was jailed for a total of 15 months.

Miss Zabeda Maqsood, prosecuting, told the court the burglary was on September 2 this year. Property to the value of £960 was taken whilst Mr Deery had CCTV in his home, as he had been the victim of repeated burglaries. He returned home to find the front door open and a rear window smashed.

Recorder Robert Platts told Farrington: "You have got to change your spots and start being an adult."