POLICE were faced with a chicken and egg problem after a Chesters Chicken liveried fast food delivery car from Blackburn was seen being driven dangerously around a town 30 miles away.

Blackburn magistrates heard the keys to the car had been taken from behind the counter at the Copy Nook outlet and the car driven away by three drunken friends.

Staff didn’t realise the car had been stolen and didn’t report the fact until after officers in Garstang had tracked down the delivery vehicle.

But while the police eventually solved their problem prosecutor Charlotte Crane said she was left with a more burning question.

“I’d like to know how three adult males managed to get inside a Smart car never mind drive it at speed,” she told Blackburn magistrates.

Anthony Monaghan, 22, of Delph Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at Chesters Chicken and theft of car keys and allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle taken without consent.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Miss Crane said police in Garstang received several reports from people about the Smart car being driven erratically and dangerously.

“About the same time staff at Chesters Chicken in Blackburn realised the car was missing and reported it to the police,” said Miss Crane.

“Eventually the two reports were married up and arrests were made at a house where the car had been parked up.”

Rachael Griffiths, defending, said Monaghan had foolishly responded to a dare by one of his friends and leaned over the counter.

“It was an impulsive decision to take the keys and one he deeply regrets,” said Miss Griffiths.