A CONVICTED Post Office raider found with bullets under his bed has kept his freedom -- even though a judge did not believe his explanation.

Barry Dewhurst, 36, who had previously been jailed for 10 years, had claimed he had been given the bullets by children and was going to hand them in -- but Judge Raymond Bennett said he did not accept his story.

The judge said a probation officer had reported the defendant was very upset and worried about what was going to happen to him and was highly motivated to change his life. And his barrister had pointed out that there was no weapon to fire the bullets.

Judge Bennett went on: "I hope I am not failing in my public duty by not sending you to prison."

Dewhurst, of Piccadilly Road, Burnley, had earlier admitted possessing ammunition and possessing ammunition when prohibited. He was given a two-year community rehabilitation order, to include the Think First programme.

Tina Langdale, prosecuting, said last November, police went to the defendant's home with a search warrant in respect of a different matter.

Under a bed they found 30 .22 calibre bullets and Dewhurst was arrested. He said he had been given the bullets by children, was going to hand them in, but had not done so.

Anthony Cross, defending, said there had been no weapon capable of firing the bullets.