A MAN has been jailed for eight weeks to help him “sort his life out”.

Neil Callaghan, aged 33, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal after a nursery in Farnworth was broken into.

Callaghan went to a police station after entering Superstars Nursery in Longcauseway as a trespasser when he had a “crisis of conscience” and to “wipe the slate clean”.

His solicitor argued for a custodial sentence in a bid to keep him off drugs.

The court heard he had not stolen anything. Defending, Stephen Teasdale said that he had entered the premises after damage had already been caused.

He added: “Once he found it was a nursery he left and because it was a nursery he has a crisis of conscience.” The court heard that after drinking alcohol Callaghan met a man and entered the premises for a “mooch”

Callaghan’s address was given in court as Sandpiper Close in Farnworth but it emerged during the hearing he was of no fixed abode, which Mr Teasdale argued would make it difficult for him to comply with a community order.

The court heard he is working to stay off drugs.

Mr Teasdale said: “He wishes for a period of time in custody to address his drug problem.”

Chairman of the bench Peter Sloane said: “We have listened very carefully to what has been said.

“We do accept your intentions to sort your life out and are prepared to help and support you that way.”

Callaghan was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and order to pay £115 compensation.