A TAKEAWAY raider who used crime as a diversion has won his freedom.

Ben Francis Mason, 20, who also took part in two thefts, struck on licence, offended for the sake of it, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant, who has been in custody on remand, won his freedom, after admitting his 11th burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and taking a vehicle without consent. Mason, of Hart Street, Burnley, was given a 12-months community rehabilitation order, to include the Think First programme, 100 hours community punishment and was ordered to pay £300 compensation. He was also banned for 12 months.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court £50 was taken from Top Taster Takeaway in Burnley, after the front door was kicked in. Footwear impressions were recovered.

Four days later the defendant was arrested and he was wearing a pair of trainers which matched the prints.

In the meantime, he had stolen a car from outside a club and police later found it damaged. Mason told officers he had been racing it against another stolen car and the other vehicle had crashed into the back of him.

Miss Jabbari said Mason was a persistent offender, with 21 previous convictions, 10 of them for burglary.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Mason was not perceived as being of direct harm to the public and he had got very little financial gain from his offending.