A BURGLAR who claimed he was checking a ‘gas leak’ when caught breaking into his neighbour’s home has been spared jail.

Bradley Fisher, previously of Windrush Close in Witney, was found guilty by a jury of 12 people at Oxford Crown Court.

Fisher was arrested after being found in his neighbour’s home in October 2016 where he claimed to be checking on a ‘gas leak’.

The victim later found her kindle was missing and her electricals had been bagged up into a rucksack.

Fisher appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday where judge Ian Pringle handed him a two year community order.

The order includes attending a ‘thinking skills programme’ and a rehabilitation requirement programme.

Judge Ian Pringle said the defendant appeared to have turned a corner since moving to Northampton.

He added: "I think you are genuinely remorseful and ready to make something of your adult life."