A WINDOW cleaner visiting a friend stole her house keys and burgled her home after learning she was going on holiday.

At Bolton Crown Court Aaron Brierley was jailed for 10 months after admitting sneaking into Alexandra Mallon's Mort Street home just hours after she left.

Keith Harrison, prosecuting, told how an eagle-eyed neighbour spotted him inside the property at 2.30pm on August 13 last year and called police.

When officers arrived he protested that he had permission to be in the house, but was arrested after his lies were exposed.

The court heard how 23-year-old Brierley had visited Ms Mallon's home on August 12. He claimed they were in a relationship, but Ms Mallon denied this, describing him as a casual acquaintance.

While there Brierley overheard Ms Mallon discussing her holiday arrangements with a neighbour and learnt the house would be empty from the next day.

Miss Mallon left home at 7am on August 13 and, after she had gone, Brierley let himself into the house with a key he had stolen the previous day.

Mr Harrison stressed that Brierley had clearly planned to burgle the empty house.

Brierley, of Leicester Avenue, Horwich, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said drug addict Brierley had not taken anything but was homeless and so had taken advantage of the situation.

"There was no intention to clear the premises," he said, adding that he had only taken food and used utilities at the home.

"He is particularly sorry and ashamed given he had at least a friendship with Alexandra Mallon," said Mr Ross.

He added that, on release from prison, Brierley, who has a lengthy criminal record, intends to leave the area and seek help for his addiction.

Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson told Brierley: "You tried to brazen it out but eventually you accepted you were there with the intention of stealing."