A BURGLAR caught in an empty house told police he was looking for somewhere to sleep after falling out with his girlfriend.

Officers also found a crowbar and a black sock upstairs in the property in Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Shane Campbell denied burglary but was convicted by after a magistrates trial, and was given an 18-week prison sentence.

Teesside Crown Court he was already serving three years for affray and other matters, and will be freed next September.

Recorder Christopher Knox told the 26-year-old: "I don't accept the explanation you gave, and, indeed, the magistrates didn't.

"The reality of it is you were found guilty on clear evidence of a house burglary. I accept it was unoccupied.

"There is clearly the suggestion you were equipped, it was at night, and it looks as though you were going for plumbing items."

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said although Campbell's girlfriend would not give a statement, she indicated there had been no row.

Barry Robson, mitigating, said the house was vacant, waiting to be let, and had no furniture or property inside.

Campbell, of Smilie Road, Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham, appeared at court via a video-link from prison.