TWO burglars barely out of jail who were responsible for the handling of a stolen TV are now back in prison.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the television and remote control had been taken just hours before from the home of an 80-year-old woman as she slept and Paul Ashworth, 20, and Paul McNamara, 23, were later spotted carrying the haul.

Ashworth, of Tunnel Street, Burnley, was sent to prison for six months, consecutive to the 106 days unexpired portion of his previous jail term. McNamara, of no fixed address, received a seven month sentence, consecutive to the 20 day unexpired portion of his previous serntence. Both admitted handling stolen goods and McNamara was also committed for sentence by magistrates, convicted of failing to surrender. The court heard the police officers heard noises from a subway running under the M65, in Burnley, and saw the defendants carrying the stolen goods. On seeing the police, they dropped the TV, turned round and ran off.

McNamara was arrested and Ashworth was found hiding in the outside toilet of a house.

Philip Holden, defending Ashworth, said he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and served the equivalent of a six month sentence. He was described as immature and the offending he took part in was not the most serious type.

For McNamara, Robert Crawford said the defendant was asked to help move the TV set and did.