A MAN was yesterday cleared of breaking into the home of a young mother who was away for a weekend.

Thomas Armstrong, 19, denied carrying out the burglary at the premises, in Cotswold Terrace, Stanley, County Durham, last March.

Durham Crown Court heard that rooms were ransacked after entry was gained through a bathroom window, while a window was also smashed near a door. The householder was away. Among the stolen items were a DVD player and about 40 DVDs, belonging to the householder's six-year-old son.

The only evidence against Mr Armstrong came from a neighbour, who knew him from their school days.

He believed he saw him nearby, walking away from the premises, shortly after hearing crashing glass.

When arrested, Mr Armstrong said it had nothing to with him and he told the court he was not in the area.

The jury found him not guilty and Mr Armstrong, of Malvern Terrace, Stanley, was discharged by Judge Michael Cartlidge, who also awarded him costs.