AN ex-convict turned businessman has been given the chance to put his past behind him.

Burnley Crown Court heard how father of three Michael Yale, 38, was now a partner in a Burnley garage business and a judge, who told him he had fully intended to send him to jail, said he was going to take an exceptional course as the defendant was trying to do something with his life.

Assistant Recorder Graham Wood deferred sentence until December 1 and told Yale, who has been behind bars nine times, that he had to prove he could stay out of trouble.

He went on: "You have been given a chance to prove yourself and I expect you to take it."

Yale, of Barden Lane, Burnley, had earlier been found guilty of handling a stolen computer and had been committed for sentence after being convicted of possessing cannabis and using wireless telegraphy. He was in breach of prison licence.

Dennis Watson, defending, said Yale had a very poor record and committed the offence within a very short time of being released from custody last June.

Since his release, he had been working hard and the defendant was now in a partnership, running a garage called P and M Autos, which had taken over GT Auto Salvage, in Stanley Street.

The business was extremely busy, had taken on an employee and Yale was a crucial part of the business. Mr Watson said Yale had not only kept out of trouble, he had been providing for his partner and child and their home depended on him paying the mortgage.

He also supported two children from his previous marriage. Mr Watson urged the court to consider whether or not the public interest required that the defendant go back to custody.

He asked instead that a community service order or perhaps a deferred sentence be considered.