A RAIDER who broke into a pub's living quarters and helped himself to a £450 haul, is behind bars after Burnley's senior judge told him he appeared to among those responsible for half the country's crime.

Judge Raymond Bennett told Shane Johnson, 30, that recent media reports had revealed there were more than 100,000 persistent offenders who committed about 50 per cent of the country's crime.

He said the defendant had 12 previous convictions for attempted burglary or burglary and went on: "You appear to be one of them."

Johnson, of Parkinson Street, Burnley, admitted burglary and handling stolen goods and was given a two-year jail term. He must first serve the 137 day unexpired portion of his previous sentence and was warned that if he struck again, the sentence would be three years.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court that Johnson broke into the living quarters of the Swan pub while the assistant manager was out. He took electrical goods and compact discs to the tune of £450.

He was spotted carrying a bag by police. At first he denied the offence but made a full admission in a second interview .

Johnson also handled goods stolen from performers taking part in a concert at Burnley Mechanics. When arrested he was wearing a pair of sunglasses which had been among the haul. A tobacco tin belonging to one of the artists was found at his home.

Robert Crawford, defending, said Johnson expected a custodial sentence. The burglary was spontaneous rather than planned .

The defendant had a 10-year-old son and a roofing job. The burglary was not committed at the dead of night when people were in bed and Johnson was sorry for his actions.