A BURGLAR who broke into a family's home while they were at prayers at a mosque was locked up yesterday.

The family were at the mosque next to their Middlesbrough home when Jonathon Bamlett stole their property on March 17.

Michael O'Neill, prosecuting, said £1,500 of equipment was stolen.

The following day the father of the family had gone to see if he could find out what had happened to his property.

While in Cash Converters, said Mr O'Neill, the man found some of his property that had been stolen. Bamlett came in and tried to sell more.

After being arrested, he admitted his crime.

Richard Bennett, for Bamlett, said he was a young man trying to better himself.

Bamlett, of Acton Street, Middlesbrough, was in the middle of a catering course and had a "blossoming career".

He was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institution