A BURGLAR who targeted four Burnley market stalls was later 'dropped in it' by his solicitor, after he was stopped for driving offences, a court heard.

Lawyer Mark Williams 'owned up' at Burnley magistrates when the story of how Paul Robert Bradshaw, 21, was rumbled was outlined to the court.

Mr Williams told how Bradshaw, who also broke into Towneley High School, ended up being arrested after he was stopped in a car and gave the name of a disqualified driver.

Mr Williams, who by 'pure coincidence' was at the police station when Bradshaw arrived, told the court he said: "Hello Mr Bradshaw," so revealing the defendant's true identity. He went on: "I dropped him in it to a degree, but it was all for the best at the end of the day."

Bradshaw, of Chipping Grove, Burnley, was given a combination order of 12 months probation and 80 hours community service, after admitting six burglaries, resisting or obstructing a constable, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and having no insurance. He was told by the bench he was a very lucky young man and the only reason he was not going to custody was because he had a job. Lesley Williams, prosecuting, said the defendant took a walkie talkie from the Hollywood Star cinema and a microwave from the high school. He broke into the market hall, taking a money box, trying to force a cash till and helping himself to several hundred pounds-worth of jewellery.

Extensive amounts of damage were caused and goods taken. Mr Williams said Bradshaw panicked when he gave false details to police.

Bradshaw was released from custody in June, 1998, and detention had broken the drugs habit. On his release, he found work and settled down in a relationship. Then his brother died from a drugs overdose. He lost his job and his relationship and turned to drink.

The defendant then went on a downward spiral and was again offending.

Mr Williams added Bradshaw had now started work again and was beginning to get structure in his life. He was not moping around drinking and was also helping to look after his elderly grandmother, with whom he lived.

He now did not need to resort to any sort of offending.

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