A BURGLAR, disturbed by the householder's son during a domestic break-in, was pointed out by a neighbour when police reached the scene minutes later.

Christopher Williams, 19, was arrested near the house, in Queen's Park, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, in December.

Durham Crown Court was told he fled empty- handed after being disturbed by a 14-year-old boy, who was alone in the house at the time.

But after the boy informed a neighbour, she kept watch on Williams until police reached the scene.

He told police he had walked from the village of West Rainton to Chester-le-Street intending to make his way home, and claimed the break-in was not pre-planned.

Williams, of Russell Court, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, who admitted the burglary, was yesterday sent to a young offenders' institution for 12 months.

Judge David Wood also added a further 186 days outstanding from a previous unexpired sentence, on to the 12-month stretch