A RAIDER who struck at a driving school was suffering from mental health problems, Burnley Magistrates heard.

The court was told how Andrew McCafferty Connelly, 43, was found with stolen property at his home, where the electricity meter was found to have been by-passed.

Connelly, of Princess Street, Nelson, admitted burglary and abstracting electricity on April 29. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £65 costs.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, Connelly got into the British School of Motoring through a window and when a police officer looked inside, he saw property strewn around the floor.

A member of the public claimed Connelly was responsible and when police went to his home, he opened the door and appeared to be out of breath.

Some of the stolen property was found in the lounge and a bedroom.

Officers also noticed the electricity meter had been tampered with.

Mr Snape said the defendant had 20 previous convictions for theft or similar offences.

Alfred Rebello, defending, said Connelly had certain mental health problems. He was on benefits and his benefits book had been stolen.

He had been borrowing from his family and friends and an accomplice had the burglary idea. Connelly went along with it.

Mr Rebello said all the property was recovered. The defendant was not in a position to carry out community service, because he was not well enough.