A FATHER-of-four who went out housebreaking in the snow was rumbled after a police officer followed his footprints for a third of a mile -- right to his front door.
Burnley Crown Court heard how Jason Ludlum, 30, was dressed in clothes which were still wet and was wearing trainers which appeared to match the prints in the snow.
Ludlum was sent to prison for 18 months.
Recorder Teresa Pepper added the defendant had a number of previous convictions, including for house burglary.
Ludlum, of Crossley Fold, Burnley, admitted burglary at the home of a pensioner in Ayr Grove, Burnley, in February.
Kevin Donnelly, prosecuting, said the occupant was in hospital and just after 11pm, a neighbour noticed a man climbing through a rear window and contacted the police.
Officers attended, saw the kitchen window had been forced and spotted footprints in the snow leading from the back of the house.
Paul Hague, defending, said Ludlum had made real progress in overcoming his drug problem and was looking to go to a detoxification unit.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article