A YOUTH who smashed his next door neighbour's window had found out the hard way crime did not pay, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Brian Birtwistle, 20, had severed tendons in his hand, was awaiting surgery and was possibly facing extensive physiotherapy, the court was told.

Birtwistle, of Green Street, Burnley, admitted damaging the window. He was granted a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £150 compensation, but the bench made no order for costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court police were called to a disturbance and saw patches of blood on the broken window. Shortly afterwards, the defendant turned up with his hand bleeding.

He seemed drunk, refused to go to hospital, but because he was losing so much blood, was not then arrested.

Brian Irlam, defending, said Birtwistle had had no convictions recorded against him for five years and had shown he could stay out of trouble. He and his girlfriend had a row, she had struck him several times but Birtwistle had not retaliated. He swung out and broke the window.

Mr Irlam said the defendant had found out crime did not pay. He apologised for his behaviour which was not something that would be repeated.