PRIME Minister David Cameron has waded into the row over a judge branding a serial burglar’s offences “brave”.

Sitting at Teesside Crown Court, Judge Peter Bowers apparently told an offender who raided three homes in five days: "It takes a huge amount of courage, as far as I can see, for somebody to burgle somebody's house. I wouldn't have the nerve."

Handing the 26-year-old man a suspended 12-month term, the judge said: "I'm going to take a chance on you."

Mr Cameron has insisted burglars are "cowards" and, revealing he had been burgled twice, branded the offence "hateful".

Mr Cameron added: "I am very clear that burglary is not bravery. Burglary is cowardice.

"People sometimes say it is not a violent crime, but actually if you have been burgled, you do feel it was violence."

He added: "That is why this government is actually changing the law to toughen the rules on self-defence against burglars, saying householders have the right to defend themselves."

What do you think? Is there any truth whatsoever to the judge’s comments or is what he said badly misguided and out of touch with reality? Have you been burgled before? How did it make you feel? Add your comments below.