A PROLIFIC offender had been remanded in custody by a district judge who said he was satisfied he would receive significantly more than 12 months in prison when he is sentenced at crown court.

Blackburn magistrates heard Simon Richard Vincent’s arrest came after a spate of burglaries in Bacup which had raised concerns amongst the business community.

Vincent, 26, of Thorn Bank, Bacup, pleaded guilty to burglaries at Freeway Spares, Burnley Road, Bacup, two burglaries at Pavillion Express on the same road, attempted burglaries at Pete’s Butchers, Bacup Market, and Affordable Pets, Waterfoot, criminal damage to the front window of Kandy Corner sweet shop and the front window of a house belonging to Annie Doyle.

He was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on July 26. District judge John Maxwell said Vincent had been given numerous opportunities in the past but he believed a custodial sentence was inevitable.

“I’m satisfied the likely sentence will be significantly longer than the 12 months I could impose,” said district judge Maxwell.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said damage had been caused at most of the burglary sites causing inconvenience and disruption.

“These are small business and offences like this affect them greatly,” said Miss Akhtar.

“Many of them will not make an insurance claim because the premium goes up so much and they are left to pick up the bill.”

Owner of Kandy Corner Diane Hart told the Lancashire Telegraph earlier this week it was the fourth time she had been broken into in two weeks.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client was already subject to a community order and suggested the 12 months available might be an adequate sentence. “He accepts that drugs have got the better of him,” said Mr Price.