A prolific burglar who broke into Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary and caused £6,800 damage has been spared immediate prison.

Nicholas Allan, 44, entered three separate departments inside two different buildings during a 3am raid on November 9. He ransacked offices and damaged doors before fleeing empty-handed.

But his DNA was found at the scene and he was captured on CCTV. That led to his arrest the following month.

Allan was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today for burglary with intent to steal, cannabis possession and a bail offence.

Recorder Michael Smith was told Allan had 136 offences - including 41 burglaries - on his criminal record. But after hearing the defendant was trying to conquer an alcohol addiction, the judge suspended a 20-month prison term for two years.

Allan, of Millholme Avenue, Carlisle, was given a nine-month night-time curfew and must undergo alcohol treatment for a year, along with a rehabilitation requirement.