THE burglary of a rural East Lancashire home led to a man being hit by a car on a motorway.

Preston Crown Court was yesterday told that Steven Jones was struck by a car on the M65 after being driven by Mark Walmsley who had just committed a £2,000 burglary in Sabden.

Walmsley, 29, of Old Millstones, Preston, was jailed for a total of four years. He pleaded guilty to two burglaries and driving with excess alcohol.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years and his licence was endorsed.

Co-defendant Dominic Bennett, 22, of Westcliffe, Preston, admitted handling stolen goods relating to the burglary on March 12 and had his case adjourned until September 17 for pre-sentence reports.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, told the court the first burglary took place at West View, Preston, on March 10 while the occupant was out at work.

Two days later, the second burglary took place at a house on Padiham Road, Sabden, where neighbours spotted four men strange to the area.

Three went to a pub and Walmsley was then seen knocking on doors before property worth £2,000 was taken. The four men left the area, but the registration number of the vehicle was taken.

Mr Jones, who had been in the car, was later struck by a car on the motorway hard shoulder after mechanical failure stopped the car.

Kath Johnson, defending, said Walmsley was ashamed and disappointed at his behaviour.