A CALLOUS thief broke into a Burnley community centre and stole more than £300 which had been earmarked for a children’s Christmas party and presents.

Prolific crook and heroin addict Andrew Wayne Woodrup, 34, helped himself to the cash when he raided the office at Burnley Wood Community Centre, the town’s magistrates’ court was told.

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Police arrived at the premises after the break-in on November 26.

They found volunteer Karen Heseltine, who discovered the theft, in tears as she was so distressed about what had happened.

Jobless Woodrup, who has more than 100 offences on his record, claimed to be “deeply ashamed” of his actions.

He was wrote to the centre apologising and says he wants to pay back the cash — even though he has no money — and wants to say sorry to volunteers in person.

Woodrup, of Parkinson Street, is now starting a 26-week jail term, after admitting burglary and stealing two cash tins and a charity box.

Magistrates ruled he deserved custody because of the effect the attack on the centre has had on the community.

Prosecutor Alex Mann said Miss Heseltine found the cash had been taken from a locker in the main office.

Woodrup was identified through CCTV and had left footprints.

At first, he claimed he did not remember the offence, but he then went on to own up.

Ms Mann said the money had been raised for a Christmas party and presents for children.

Mark Williams, defending, said Woodrup was released from jail with a methadone prescription but lost it. That was his fault and he did not blame anybody else.

Mr Williams said: “He thought he could perhaps manage without but that was not the case. Unfortunately he lapsed back into drugs misuse and was using a small amount of heroin on a daily basis.

“The defendant is deeply ashamed of what he has done on this occasion.

“He did not know what the money was for — but you have to accept the consequences of your actions.

“He has written to the community centre, saying he is sorry and wants to pay the money back. He is not in a position to do that in a lump sum. He has also asked if they would meet him so he can apologise in person.”

Woodrup’s actions had caused significant harm at the centre, bench chairman Stephen Riley told him.

The chairman said Woodrup had a terrible record of offences and non-compliance. Mr Riley said: “We are unable to pass any community sentence.”