A PLANT operator alerted to the theft of one of his machines was driving to investigate when he saw the vehicle driving towards him.

Magistrates heard that John Bailey turned round and followed the £30,000 machine until he was joined by the police who were already investigating the theft from a Chatburn garden centre.

Brian Ingham, 49, of Parklands View, Burnley, pleaded guilty to unauthorised taking of a vehicle aggravated by damage caused, driving without insurance, and other than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced to 180 days in prison.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said a witness saw the JCB Tell Loader crashing out of Shackletons Garden Centre at 8.45pm. The witness phoned police and the owner of the vehicle, whose name was on the side.

"Shortly after John Bailey was driving over the Nick of Pendle when he saw his JCB coming towards him," said Mrs White. "The police quickly joined him and when the JCB was stopped Ingham was driving."

She said £1,500 damage was caused to the garden centre fence and gates.

Clare Knight, defending, told Blackburn magistrates that Ingham had been asked by someone to drive the vehicle in return for money.