A CONVICTED burglar who received stolen goods from another raid has been given a chance by a judge to avoid a custodial sentence.

Police found a rucksack and gloves at Mark Simpson's home and he claimed they were borrowed from a friend but they had disappeared during an overnight raid at a couple's house in Leswell Lane, Kidderminster.

Judge Michael Mott said there were "strong suspicions" that 27-year-old Simpson had been the burglar but he was remaining faithful to Simpson's plea of guilty to handling stolen goods.

The judge was told that Simpson was desperately trying to kick a heroin habit, had a job as a building worker and his girlfriend was due to give birth in a fortnight.

Sentence was deferred until April 14 next year.

The judge promised Simpson that if he kept out of trouble and did not breach a drug testing order he would be given a community penalty.

Jabeen Akhtar, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court, said a window pane was removed at the targeted premises on November 20 last year.

Four weeks later police searched Simpson's flat in Hurcott Road, Kidderminster.

He had 18 previous convictions, including three domestic burglaries.

Jason Aris, defending, said Simpson was making strenuous efforts to turn his life around. He wanted to provide a good role model for his first child.

The judge gave Simpson a not guilty verdict on a charge of burglary.