A MAN caught burgling a Blackburn address tried to make it look like he was doing the householder a favour when found on the premises.

William Crossland told his victim he had spotted a break-in at the Laxey Road address and entered the home to make sure no-one else was inside. He went on to escape through a bathroom window while the occupant was on the phone to police.

Crossland was sent to prison for four years when he appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court for a string of offences. The 25-year-old, of Bradda Road, Blackburn, had admitted two burglaries, a shed burglary, one attempted burglary and a further offence of handling.

Mr John Bailey, prosecuting, said that a 34-year-old man living at the Laxey Road address was in bed when he got up to use the toilet and was confronted by the defendant.

Crossland had said he had found the house broken into and had entered to make sure no-one else was inside.

The householder called the police, believing that Crossland was a good citizen who had climbed in to get the burglars. Crossland, who continued with his charade, was asked to wait until the police arrived.

However, he said he needed the toilet and while the householder was on the phone to police he escaped through a bathroom window. On his way out he took a mobile phone and related equipment.

Mr Martin Hackett, defending, said Crossland had been "labouring under a drug addiction" for some time. After a period away from them he began using substances after suffering injury.