A BITTER relationship break-up sparked a burglary at the home of a man's former girlfriend in Devizes, a judge has been told.

Salisbury Crown Court heard on Friday how 19-year-old George Preston and the rejected boyfriend, who had since skipped bail, went to the house in Commercial Road.

The spurned lover knew where the back door key was hidden and they used it to go inside while the family were asleep upstairs.

The pair left through the front door taking with them a television, video, DVD player, cash and tobacco worth a total of £922.97.

Preston, of Grant Road, Enford, was appearing for sentence after admitting burglary between January 31 and February 2.

Helen Field, defending, said Preston was drunk at the time of the offence but accepted that was no excuse.

He had moved from Devizes to a quiet village and was now a full-time carer looking after his wife, who is unwell, and her three children.

Miss Field said Preston had made a full face-to-face apology to the family whose home he burgled.

Recorder Michael Norman told Preston that when he committed the offence he "embarked on a course, a usual consequence of which would be to land up in custody".

But he said he felt able to take a different course because of a number of reasons including Preston's early guilty plea, his co-operation, remorse and apology.

He imposed a two-year community rehabilitation order and told Preston to attend a Think First programme.