A three strike burglar who has been offending since he was just 13 has been given 'one last chance' by a judge.

Michael Cook, 19, was facing the prospect of a three year jail term after he was convicted of a dwelling burglary for the third time in his criminal career.

But after hearing that Cook is finally sorting his life out and prosecutors made a mistake in their dealing with his partner-in-crime a judge decided no to jail him.

Cook was living in the Culvery Court hostel on Harding Street when he and a pal broke into the room of another resident.

The pair pinched the key from the reception area to get in and steal the neighbour's TV, laptop and games console on Thursday, October 2.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that the whole incident was caught on CCTV.

The second man was also charged with burglary but prosecutors allowed him to pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, which they now accept was a mistake.

Mr Meeke said: "It was quite clear on the face of the papers he is as guilty of burglary as Mr Cook."

Cook admitted the offence before Christmas when he was in custody after breaching the release terms of a detention and training order for other matters.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case until late February, when Cook was due for release, to see if he had accommodation and work.

Rob Ross, defending, said the other man committed the offence to raise cash and his client had just joined in to help a friend.

Cook can now live with his girlfriend on Corsham Road, Penhill, and he also has a job lined up as a shop fitter.

He said: "This young man appears to be on the threshold, after the offence took place, of turning his life around to some extent.

"If the court imposes a suspended sentence order on him today he knows he will be closely supervised.

"The ball will be very much in his court firstly to show to himself and secondly the court what he says to the probation service and to you is not just words but he can prove it with his actions."

Passing sentence the judge said: "You are 19 years old and you have been committing offences consistently since you were 13.

"You have now go to the stage that you have committed this burglary that the law requires me to sent you to custody for three years unless I think it unjust.

"That is the situation you have got yourself in and you know whose fault it is.

"I can detect for the first time in your life you are about to make something of yourself rather than go out and commit offences.

"That is why I wanted confirmation of work and somewhere to live and the stability in your life of a relationship with your girlfriend. That is before me.

"It is because of that I have decided I do not have to send you to custody today.

"Your co-accused who, despite playing a more significant part in this burglary, was dealt with by way of him receiving a suspended sentence.

"I have to compare the sentence I impose upon you with the sentence that was imposed upon him.

"You have been recalled on licence recently: you are due to be released any day now.

"It seems to me for everything I have read about you that that has been a very timely reminder of the situation you would find yourself in if you commit any further offences. What I am going to do is give you one last chance."

He imposed an 18-month jail term suspended for two years with supervision, a thinking skills programme and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He added: "If you commit any further offence within the next two years the sentence starts at 18 months, you understand that, and it goes up from that."