A VANDAL who caused damage to Haslingden Library left police with a vital clue — a pizza box.

Police tracked down drunken Steven Matlock, 44, as he had pieces of pizza on his clothes after he caused £300 of damage to the fire escape door.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Matlock was on anti-depressants and the tablets and drink did not mix.

A judge gave him help to tackle his alcohol problem after his barrister described him as a “liability once he's drunk”.

Matlock, who struck in the early hours incident on March 23, set off the intruder alarm.

He tried to make off but a police officer chased and caught him.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham said it was quite obvious somebody had entered the library as a pizza box and the remnants of the meal had been left behind.

She continued: “The defendant appeared to have traces of pizza down the front of his clothing.”

She added the defendant had 77 offences on his record going back to 1988 and was last convicted in 2006.

Miss Statham offered no evidence on an allegation of burglary.

Matlock, of Olive Street, Bacup, admitted damage.

He was given a two-year community order with supervision and an alcohol treatment programme. Bob Elias, for Matlock,said he had lived on the streets in the past but now had a home, was getting help and his mental health was under control.

The barrister continued: “He needs to understand that drinking is not for him because he becomes a liability once he's drunk.”

Sentencing, Recorder Terence Rigby said Matlock had managed to keep out of trouble for a long time, was getting assistance and perhaps a bit more control from his supervising officer might do the trick.

The judge told the defendant: “If you comply with this order, hopefully we will never see you again."”