A BURGLAR who claimed a jail sentence would mean he would lose his pet mouse has been allowed to go free at Worcester Crown Court.
Timothy Gough pleaded guilty to a break-in at his ex-girlfriend's home and stealing underwear.
Defence counsel Andrew Evans said the mouse was the only pet Gough was allowed to keep in his one-bedroomed council flat.
The defendant also feared that his flat would be broken into if he was sent to custody.
Recorder Andrew Tidbury gave 51-year-old Gough, of Windsor Drive, Kidderminster, an 18-month community rehabilitation order.
He said he realised custody would have meant the loss of Gough's home - but made no mention of the mouse. He also warned him not to harass his ex-girlfriend.
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