A DRUNKEN burglar caused £3,000 worth of damage breaking into a shop to steal £75 worth of goods.

Blackburn magistrates heard Martin Peter Ford was traced through a DNA hit on blood left on a broken window.

Ford, 45, of Stanley Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to burglary ABS General Store, Peel Street, and theft of a camera and two hair clippers. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and nine months drug rehabilitation requirement. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge.

Katie Lord, prosecuting, said police were alerted by a witness at 10 pm on a Saturday night. He had heard a loud bang and looked out of his house on Peel street to see someone removing property from a shop window which had been smashed.

When police arrived they searched the area but there was no sign of the defendant.

"The shop owner said it cost £3,000 to replace the window," said Miss Lord. "The value of the goods stolen is not significant but the damage is."

Gareth Price, defending, said Ford had lost his father and his brother in a short period of time which resulted in alcohol and drug abuse.

"He doesn't recall the offence particularly but accepts he was responsible," said Mr Price.

Elliot Smith, of the probation service, said Ford hadn't been drinking since the offence and had intervention from Inspire to help with his drug problems.