A FATHER-to-be who burgled a former neighbour in Bacup has been spared jail so he can witness the birth of his new child and try to make a fresh start.

Adrian Lee Palmer, 37, was one of two or three men who had broken into the home of Joel Wroe in Dale Street, Bacup, as he was preparing to move out, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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The victim’s family arrived to move some of his belongings.

When they did so they noticed that a Welsh dresser and a washing machine which had been there had gone missing, the court heard.

Prosecutor Michael Jones said the back door had been forced.

While the damage was repaired a man arrived at the rear of the house. He walked off but was seen to get into a car.

Blood, containing Palmer’s DNA, was recovered from the broken door.

Palmer, of Dale Street, admitted burglary and was given a 12-month prison term, suspended for 18 months with 18 months’ probation supervision, and must pay £400 compensation and £500 court costs.

Judge Jonathan Gibson told the court that the sentence would allow him to return to work, repay his victim and take care of his family responsibilities.