A YOUNG burglar, who "devastated" his retired victims, could face them through the restorative justice programme.

Callum Stanton, 18, of Rastrick Common, Brighouse, who was bullied at school and said to be vulnerable and easily led, was given a 12-month community order for the offence.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC ordered Stanton to keep to a six-month curfew and complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, which would include restorative justice.

"It will mean him going and grovelling, apologising face to face," the judge said.

Prosecutor Sophie Drake told Bradford Crown Court that Stanton, who was 17 at the time of the offence, and a younger boy burgled a bungalow in Lightcliffe Road, Hove Edge, Brighouse, on February 4 this year, while the retired occupants were out shopping.

Miss Drake said the burglars used a stone to smash a sitting room window, which caused damage to the laminate flooring, and an untidy search was made of each room. Property, including a necklace, ear rings, laptop computer and a camera, valued at more than £1,500, were stolen. Stanton left fingerprints and a footwear mark at the scene.

The householder described his wife as being devastated when they discovered what had happened. They had lived in the house for 30 years.

Stanton had only one previous conviction, for a burglary at a primary school.

His barrister, Nigel Jamieson, said his client's father had confirmed that his son had continued to associate with people who were not good influences, but he had spent three days in prison custody since the last hearing. He had been moved from school to school because of bullying, but was now at college and wanted to start a motor mechanics course.

"He seems to be focusing on that and there is hope for the future," said Mr Jamieson. He said his client was showing promise, but he was pushed and pulled by others and could be influenced into a way of life in prison.

Sentencing Stanton, who pleaded guilty to burglary, Judge Durham Hall said: "I am deeply troubled that very respectable people have had their home invaded and trashed and have been left devastated. I hope they will understand.

"I am satisfied he is vulnerable. I am satisfied the guidelines effectively mean that no meaningful sentence of custody can be imposed, or is warranted."

He said that protecting the public for the future would be more served by a hard-hitting, effective community order.

Judge Durham Hall told Stanton: "If you reoffend you will be back in front of me ... and I may very well lock you up."