THIS is the burglar who threatened the widow next door with a hammer in Chadderton – but who was caught due to footprints in the snow.

Gavin Banks, 44, of Rydal Avenue, was sentenced to seven and half years in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court last week.

He had pleaded guilty to an aggravated burglary at the house next door to him in January.

At sentencing, the court heard how Banks and an accomplice, Thomas Kilburn, broke into the house of Banks' neighbour in the early hours.

Banks threatened his neighbour with a hammer, before the duo made off with around £800.

Police were called, and officers were able to track down Banks and Kilburn by following footprints in the snow.

They forced their way into Banks' house, finding the two men, two pairs of wet shoes, a hammer and the money.

Both Banks and Kilburn denied the burglary at interview, but later pleaded guilty in court.

Kilburn, 23, of Rochdale Road, is to be sentenced next month.