A TEENAGER has been given an eight-week curfew after he broke into his former girlfriend’s home - through a window which she left open for her cat, a court heard.

Cyle Campbell, 19, later sold the X-Box and games he stole in the July 16 raid on house in Harraby, Carlisle.

He admitted burglary and fraud.

The court heard how on the day of the burglary – July 16 – the victim was away from her home for a day out, having left a window ajar so her cat could get in.

During the day, a neighbour spotted the defendant – whom he recognised because Campbell had visited the house in the past – at an upstairs window.

When the woman who lives there returned, she realised the X-Box and games were missing.

Police later recovered the items from a store in Lowther Street, Carlisle.

Campbell had sold them for cash.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she is now reluctant to leave her home for fear that it could happen again.

“She has had CCTV installed as extra security,” said Mr Brown. “She still does not feel safe.”

The woman also now suffered from anxiety and depression.

Noting that the teenager, formerly of Gelt Road, Brampton, had committed no offences previously, Judge Nicholas Barker said he felt there was a realistic prospect Campbell could be rehabilitated.

He told the teenager: “This matter does cross the custodial threshold.

“It always passes the custodial threshold when a person breaks into another person’s home.”

The judge noted that Campbell had been in a relationship with his victim and knew what was in her house. He also knew how to gain access to it

“There is no doubt that you targeted this [house] because it was her property.”

Judge Barker added: “It’s a crime which leaves as stain on the victim; it renders them unconfident, anxious and insecure in their home in which they should feel safe.

"You violated that and it is a serious offence.”

The judge added that there was evidence in background reports that Campbell felt remorse and this made it possible to draw back from a jail term.

He imposed a two year community order, with 20 rehabilitation days which will include a thinking skills course and a three month drug treatment requirement.

The eight-week curfew – to an address in Keighley where the defendant now lives – will run from 7pm to 6am and it will be electronically tagged.

The teenager will also have to go to an attendance centre as part of his sentence.