AN electrical firm lost business and thousands of pounds after the premises was broken into.

Burnley Crown Court heard how computer equipment, cash and electrical goods were taken overnight from Quest Electrical Ltd, on Accrington Road, Burnley.

But drunken raider Darren Worth, who had 25 previous convictions, was spared jail after a judge said he took advantage of an opportunity offered by others.

Recorder Sarah Singleton said she did not want anybody to think commercial burglaries were not serious, but added probation reports stated the offence had been a wake-up call to him.

If Worth, soon to start work as a painter and decorator and now going to Alcoholics Anonymous, changed his lifestyle he could make a positive contribution to society.

The defendant, 31, of Curlew Gardens, Burnley, admitted burglary and had been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates. He was given 80 hours' community punishment, 12 months' community rehabilitation and a six-month curfew between 9pm and 7am on Fridays and 7pm and 7am every other day of the week.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, told the court staff found the firm had been burgled on May 12.

Quest Electrical suffered difficulties in trading and financial loss as a result of the crime.

The defendant was arrested a week later and when interviewed denied taking part.

Philip Holden, defending, said on the night of the offence Worth had drunk 15 pints. The barrister continued: "The offence came about because of problems he was facing at the time. It was an act of stupidity committed while in drink."