A SNEAK-IN thief who stole money from a woman he knew was yesterday spared another jail sentence - to save taxpayers money.

Terence Rowley was given a community order with probation service supervision for the burglary at a house in Hartlepool last summer.

Judge Les Spittle told him: "That's the best use of public money - rather than wasting vast sums keeping you in custody for no particular purpose."

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 28-year-old drug addict was locked up last August and released in November for a different offence.

But since then, Rowley, a former schoolboy boxing champion, has made efforts to beat his addiction and has stayed out of trouble.

The sneak-in burglary for which he was sentenced was committed on July 6, a month before his last custodial sentence.

The court heard that, while he was in jail, Rowley was allowed out for a day by officials for the funeral of his newly-born son.

Stephen Thornton, mitigating, said the heartbreaking death had given his client a new focus and determination to turn his back on crime.

Judge Spittle told Rowley: "That sentence and your personal circumstances seem to have motivated you to mend your ways. It seems to me that it is far better, and in the public interest, to support you in your motivation to keep you both substance and offence-free."

Rowley, of Colenso Street, Hartlepool, admitted burglary and was given an 18-month community order, with 18 months of supervision.

The judge added: "This is an opportunity to put into action and continue your path, because you have proved to an extent that you are motivated and, perhaps, you will save the public a lot of trouble and expense."

Dan Cordey, prosecuting, told the court that Rowley went into the house of a woman he knew, in Hawthorn Walk, as she and friends had a meal in their garden.

He escaped with £20 from the householder's purse, but he was spotted by some of the others and police caught Rowley not far from the scene with the cash.

Mr Thornton said since his release from prison late last year, Rowley had voluntarily sought help for his drug addiction, something he would never have done in the past