BURGLAR Michael Redford was caught red-handed by two passing police officers alerted by an alarm.
At the back of the house they found a broken kitchen window and Redford standing nearby.
Redford claimed at the time that he had been chased by three men and had sought refuge in the yard, but the 36-year-old, of Arundel Close, Bury, later admitted burglary. He appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence.
The court heard that Redford's fingerprint was found inside the broken window. Nothing was stolen but £30 damage was caused to the window. Redford, who had previous convictions for burglary and other crimes, said he had committed the burglary to fund his drug addiction.
Recorder David Brunnen placed him on a Drug Treatment and Testing Order.
He will be tested for drugs twice a week and his first review date before the court will be November 20.
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