A PUB landlord disturbed by the burglar alarm at 4.25am discovered there had been a break-in and three charity boxes had been stolen.

Blackburn magistrates heard Carl Campbell Poynton was caught on CCTV leaving the beer garden of the Bulls Head, Redlam, Blackburn, and scenes of crime investigators recovered a footprint which was a perfect match for his footwear.

Poynton, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft of charity boxes of a value unknown.

He was jailed for 13 days after the magistrates heard he was being recalled on prison licence for 28 days.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when the landlord went down it was clear someone had got into the pub by breaking a window and things had been disturbed.

“Three charity boxes had been removed and a hammer was found which had been brought to the pub,” said Miss Allan.

Gareth Price, defending, said unusually the offence went back to March 2018 and didn’t come to court for the first time until July of this year.

“At the time he was in a very difficult situation,” said Mr Price.

“His methadone prescription had been stopped and he was left with a raging drug habit.

“Since his release from prison in March he has not committed any further offences.”