A DRUNKEN intruder, who went into two homes and was involved in a confrontation with one victim, walked free from court.
“Immature” Max Bancroft (20), who took a jacket, cash and keys, left the victim scared and feeling ill at ease after he had struck.
Burnley Crown Court was told how Bancroft, the father of a new baby, had a record. The courts had repeatedly given him the opportunity to get help from the probation service but he seemed to have thrown it back in their faces by flouting the orders.
But, the teacher’s son was given a chance to grow up and keep his nose clean by a judge, who imposed eight months in custody, suspended for 18 months, with 18 months supervision. The defendant, of Higher Causeway, Barrowford, had admitted to burglary allegations and had been committed for sentence by magistrates.
Nick Dearing, for Bancroft, said he had been so drunk when he was arrested that it was many hours later before he could be interviewed by the police.
Bancroft, to a certain extent, was the architect of his own misfortune. He was a young man of intelligence who had worked almost consistently since leaving school. He had been working at the time of the offences, but had lost his employment because of the time he had spent in police custody and in attendance at court.
Mr Dearing said that the defendant was “extremely immature”. The solicitor continued: “He clearly demonstrates a need for intervention in relation to his alcohol problem. He would struggle to cope in custody. He has never experienced custody before. He would find it far more traumatic, having regard to his upbringing, than many other defendants.”
Sentencing, Recorder Michael Blakey told Bancroft that people who have burgled homes should expect to lose their liberty. The defendant had not complied with court orders.
The judge continued: “You are still a very young man, but you have a terrible record. Now, either you grow up and get that sorted out or you are going to end up in prison for longer and longer.”