A Nelson man with over 100 offences to his name has been jailed for three years for burglary at Burnley Crown Court.
Rafiq Shaban (38), of Belgrave Street, Nelson, was sent to prison after he broke into a house in Dunderdale Avenue, Nelson, in the early hours of February 26th this year and stole a hoard while the occupiers were asleep.
Burnley Crown Court how Shaban was arrested by police the following day but some items were never recovered, notably house and car keys which were stolen as well as various bank cards.
Miss Katie Jones (defending) said that Shaban had started to change his behaviour and attitudes and was concerned to get back to caring for his mother.
Recorder Kevin Talbot said the aggravating factor was that five people were in the property at the time of the burglary and it had taken place in the early hours of darkness.
Recorder Talbot said the property owners had been left “shaken and upset” as a result of Shaban’s actions.
Shaban pleaded guilty to the burglary and received a three year sentence for it. He will serve an additional two months for failing to surrender under the bail act which he also admitted.