A 20-YEAR-OLD who handled the proceeds of a house raid has had his case put back to see if he is fit to do community punishment - but may yet end up behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard Irudyam Farooq was one of three men seen coming from a youth's home with a stereo.

Farooq was told by Judge Lesley Newton the case was being adjourned for enquiries with his doctor, but that was not any indication she was going to take any particular course when it came to sentence.

The defendant was bailed until August 2 and must live at Spencer Street, Burnley. He had earlier admitted handling stolen goods, last October.

Richard Orme, prosecuting, said last October a householder went out for the evening and left her son in charge of the property.

At about 9.30, the boy and his friends went to get a takeaway and left the front door of the house unlocked.

On his return, he saw three men coming from the direction of his house and as he got closer, he recognised them. They were carrying a stereo from his home, the teenager challenged them and the stereo was dropped. One of the three was the defendant.

Mr Orme said one of the trio told the youth;"You have been spreading rumours about me.That's why I am robbing your house."

The prosecutor said the defendant told police he had seen the others coming from the house with the stereo and had decided to get involved.

He had committed the offence while subject to a community rehabilitation order.