A TAKEAWAY raider led police to his Stacksteads home after leaving a trail of frozen prawns from the shop, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Andrew Eaton, 39, was arrested after being found lying on a mattress on the floor.

He told police he did it because he didn't like the takeaway owners.

Eaton, who had a drink problem which, it was said, would kill him if he did not beat it, was spared jail even though his accomplice ended up behind bars.

The defendant, then of Herbert Street, Stacksteads, but now of Brush Street, Burnley, admitted burglary on May 7.

He was given a community order with 12 months supervision and must pay £450 compensation.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, told the court the takeaway, in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, was broken into through a door.

Eggs were smashed, a lot of food taken and police brought back bags of frozen meat and prawns. Damage and theft totalled £900.

Miss Allan said a police officer went to Herbert Street and found frozen food on the path.

The defendant was arrested and questioned and said he had been completely drunk and wouldn't have been capable of burgling the shop.

He later owned up. Eaton had 21 previous convictions.

Ian Bonney, defending, said Eaton had been out of trouble for eight years.

The offence could hardly be described as sophisticated.

Mr Bonney said Eaton and his co-defendant were hungry, but went on: "Quite what they were going to do with uncooked foodstuffs I have no idea."

The solicitor said the burglary was stupid and mindless.

Eaton had a significant drink problem.