A PROLIFIC criminal, who has more than two dozen convictions to his name, has walked free from court after admitting fraud and handling stolen goods while on a tag for another offence.

Two years ago Ryan Walkden sparked outrage after he was seen driving dangerously and crashing a car, then was caught on camera pulling a young child out of the back seat. He was injured in the crash and subsequently jailed for 20 weeks for dangerous and disqualified driving.

Now, he has now appeared at Bolton Crown Court again and pleaded guilty to fraud and two counts of handling stolen goods - and the judge opted to give him another chance.

“You have been given another chance — please take it,” Judge Timothy Stead said.

The court heard how police visited 30-year-old Walkden’s home on July 23 after concerns about his electronic tag.

While there they found Walkden’s co-accused, Alex Rigby, who was wanted for other offences and, when the property was searched, items from two burglaries were discovered, including bank cards, car keys and a BOSE speaker.

Alison Mather, prosecuting, told how a home in Tyldesley had been burgled on July 20 and a bank card used to order goods, worth £160, from JD Sports, which were collected by Walker the following day.

There was a second burglary on July 20 when car keys, bank and store cards were taken.

Judge Stead said: “What this amounts to is that he is someone who is dishonest and only too willing to receive the proceeds of burglaries when the chance comes his way.”

The court heard that Walkden, of Yewdale Avenue, Breightmet, has 29 previous convictions for 59 offences.

Daniel Calder, defending, said that Walkden had been abusing amphetamines but is keen to seek professional intervention.

Sentencing Walkden to a community order for 12 months, Judge Stead said Walkden is “clearly someone who has had significant difficulties with substance misuse.

As part of his sentence Walkden will be subject to an 8pm to 5am curfew for 60 days, must undertake drug rehabilitation for six months and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

Rigby, of Agecroft Road, Pendlebury, is due to be sentenced for burglaries and other offences on December 19.