A THIEF said to have stolen a painting from flats was seen making off with his haul on a pedal cycle, a court heard.

Paul Dwyer, 30, who claimed he had found the artwork on the road, had a criminal record but hoped to put that behind him as he was getting married, the court was told.

Dwyer, of Chapel Street, Colne, admitted theft of the £50 painting following the incident on November 15.

The defendant, who was in breach of a conditional discharge, was given a community order with 12 months supervision and must pay £60 costs.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, said the painting was stolen from flats at Laneshawbridge.

The defendant was seen taking it from the wall in the communal area.

He was stopped and arrested as he pedalled off with the painting.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Dwyer had been diagnosed with ADHD, had autism problems and had been a heroin user.

He was now on methadone and doing better, he said.