A FARMER whose outbuilding was raided twice spotted his possessions in two antique shops, Burnley magistrates heard.

Peter Anthony Rayson, 39, took a brass bed and clockwork trains and engines the first time he struck and his victim later saw the 3ft 6in bed in a shop window.

Rayson, of Eagle Street, Nelson, was put on probation for 12 months. He must pay £350 compensation and £70 costs.

The defendant had earlier admitted two counts of burglary and two of obtaining property by deception and had his case adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Shazia Naqui, prosecuting, said the farmer found the padlock had been broken off the outbuilding in November.

A total of almost £1,000 worth of property had been taken.

A couple of weeks later, the same outbuilding was broken into again.

In the haul a box of porcelain and two pictures were taken.

A neighbour had earlier found the two pictures while walking the dog that morning.

Miss Naqui said the complainant later went to a second-hand shop and saw the brass bed in the window. The shop owner had bought the trains, but they had already been sold on.

The farmer was given details of the person who had sold the property to the shop. He later found more of his goods at another antique shop.

Rayson told police a man had gone round to his house and bought the property.

John Rusius, defending, said Rayson entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity.

He had spent time in custody, but had never tried to hide his involvement. He was on benefits.

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