A BURGLAR was asked by a detective if he wanted to become a police informant with the prospects of large rewards, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Martin Corbett's barrister told of the "extraordinary" conversation that took place at a magistrates' court without his solicitor being present.

Sentencing Corbett to five months in custody, Judge Raymond Bennett said "questionable dealings" between the defendant and the police officer had resulted in the prosecution not going ahead with two other burglary charges against him.

Corbett, 20, of Southwood Drive, Baxenden, admitted the burglary at an old people's home, described by the judge as more akin to a "sneak theft offence."

The court had heard Corbett's friends went into the home, on Dale Street, Accrington, and came out with a purse.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Corbett had spent three and a half to four months in custody.

An "extraordinary" conversation took place when a detective constable went to see him in his cell without his solicitor being present. The officer asked Corbett if he wanted to become a police informant. The defendant's solicitor went into the cell to see what was going on. The officer had told Corbett that if he could help police with burglaries there would be a large and substantial reward for him.

Corbett went into court and received a probation order.

A few days later he went into the police station and told them about the burglary, thinking he could have the offence taken into consideration but they arrested him.

Mr Stuart said had the allegation been dealt with at the same time he was put on probation, it may well have been he would not have lost his liberty, but would have been put on the stop offending programme.

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