A HOUSE breaker has gone to jail for three years - but the man who helped him sell the haul as won his freedom.

David Watson, 26, now with 13 convictions for burglary, was told by Judge Raymond Bennett that the only good thing that could be said about him was that he had pleaded guilty.

Co-defendant, Mark Campbell, 22, who had an alibi for the burglary - he was in court at the time - "beggared belief" by committing the handling offence on the same day he had appeared, said the judge.

Campbell, of Jupiter Court, Accrington, who had served the equivalent of a 14 month sentence on remand, was given a combination order of 60 hours community service and 12 months probation. He admitted handling stolen goods.

Watson, of Sparth Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors, admitted burglary, supplying cannabis, theft and was in breach of a conditional discharge.

Anthony Cross, defending Watson, told Burnley Crown Court the defendant had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and deserved credit. He was a vulnerable prisoner, as he had volunteered to give evidence in a murder trial. His cannabis supplying had been limited to a very small circle of friends.

Mark Stuart, defending Campbell, said he had made real efforts to stop offending and had stayed drug-free. He had met up with Watson once the burglary had been committed and Watson asked him if he would help sell some items. He knew they were stolen but agreed to do so.

Mr Stuart added Campbell had spent seven months on remand in custody.

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