A LOOKOUT at a house burglary was sent to detention for 21 months by a judge who warned him if he did it again he would face at least three years behind bars.

Judge Raymond Bennett told Kevin Pearson, 20, that those who kept watch for raids were just as much part of them as the man who went inside.

He added the defendant had been on bail for handling a stolen car he shouldn't have been driving and he was also in breach of a conditional discharge.

Pearson, of Redvers Street, Burnley, had admitted burglary, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, not having insurance and two counts of handling stolen goods. He had been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates.

Richard Gray, prosecuting, said Pearson was seen driving a car which had been stolen when it had been parked up to await an MOT. He was asked to produce documents but didn't do so.

He was later spotted again and was arrested because police officers then knew the vehicle was stolen. Pearson said he had paid £30 for it, but had thought it was a bit "dodgy," because the ignition had been barrelled.

The house burglary took place at Boothman Close, Nelson, where a window was forced and a lot of property taken

Mr Gray said later that day, Pearson was found selling high value furniture stolen from Heatons on Scotland Road, Nelson. Goods to the tune of £5,500 had been taken and Pearson had sold about £450 worth

John Woodward, defending, said Pearson showed remorse and should be given credit for admitting to the burglary as there was very little or no evidence against him. He had now spent seven weeks on remand..

He had made progress on a rehabilitation order, but had gone back to Nelson and his old associates, started taking drugs and gone on the downward spiral again.

Pearson did not know what got him into trouble, but of course it was drugs.

Mr Woodward said the defendant knew the court had a duty to perform and that a custodial sentence would follow.