A FARNWORTH have-a-go hero who chased and captured a burglar who broke into a neighbour's house was praised by a judge at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.

Judge Michael Lever QC commended Terence O'Connor for the part he played in the capture of the burglar.

Judge Lever said: "The court should express its deep appreciation of the significant public service performed by Mr O'Connor in chasing two burglars over a considerable distance."

Steven Morley, 17, of Hillside Avenue, Walkden, pleaded guilty to the daytime burglary at the house of a 52-year-old woman living in Worsley Road, Farnworth.

David Friesner, prosecuting, said he and another youth decided to burgle the house when they spotted the woman leaving her home. The householder returned while they were still in the house. As they dashed out with jewellery worth £349, Mr O'Connor was drawing up in his car. He chased the burglars in his car through adjoining streets until Morley was detained, exhausted.

Mr O'Connor, a building contractor, told the BEN: "I pulled up near the house and saw two lads running out and the householder screaming after them so I just turned my van round and chased after them."

Judge Lever deferred sentence on Morley for six months.

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