A BURGLAR trying to escape from police made his way through the lofts of a terrace row and emerged in a house further down the street, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told how John Hogg, 23, left behind a collapsed ceiling at one home and cracks at another.

Hogg, who has 30 previous convictions for burglary, was told by Judge Raymond Bennett that the only good thing that could be said was that he had pleaded guilty.

He went on: "Some might say you should be locked up forever. Of course, I am not going to do that, but the sentences are likely to get longer and longer unless you stop committing crimes."

Hogg, of Howsin Street, Burnley, admitted three burglaries, attempted burglary, three counts of criminal damage and asked for an offence to be considered. He was sent to prison for three years.

The court heard that after police turned up at Hogg's girlfriend's home to arrest him, he refused to let officers in.

His girlfriend allowed them access and, after the defendant went into the loft, both she and the police tried to talk him down. Hogg then made his way along the loft areas of the street, removing the bricks separating houses and causing damage to ceilings as he went. Hogg appeared in one house from the loft and, after a discussion with the occupant, tried to get out but was arrested.

He carried out three burglaries, taking jewellery worth £640 from one and property worth £900 from another. Hogg helped himself to £2,042 worth of property from a third house and was detected through his fingerprints.

Hogg said he couldn't remember the offence and, if he could, he would admit it.

Clare Thomas, defending, said Hogg had an appalling record for somebody so young. All the burglaries were committed to fund a drug habit.

Although the properties were people's homes, they were not occupied at the time. Hogg had recently reached a turning point in his life. He realised he had a serious problem and if he didn't get help, it was going to kill him.

Hogg had been drug-free for four months while he was in custody.

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