A YOUTH who stole a friend's property when he knew he was not at home, has been sent to detention.

Assistant Recorder Beverley Lunt sent Christopher Singleton, 20, to custody for four months -- but said she had intended to send him away for 18 months when she first read the papers of the case.

She added the offence was very mean, with peculiar circumstances which were unique and the defendant had offended during a combination order.

Singleton, of School Street, Nelson, earlier admitted burglary and had been committed for sentence by magistrates.

Burnley Crown Court heard the defendant had 20 previous convictions for offences of dishonesty.

All the stolen property was recovered.

Roger Baldwin, defending, said the offence was quite unusual and not the average house burglary. The parties were well known to each other.

Mr Baldwin said the offence was a way to get back at the complainant for slights and threats made in drink.

Property was given to the accomplice's girlfriend.

Mr Baldwin added the defendant had been in custody for about two months.

He had difficulties in the recent past with alcohol, which was very much behind the escapade.

He was drug-free at the moment and would need help when emerging from custody.