A THIEF who helped himself to a haul of equipment from a water treatment plant claimed he just drove in after seeing the gates open.

Burnley magistrates heard how Charlie McDonagh, 22, had been rumbed after police stopped the van he was driving and it was uninsured.

Officers saw the generator, steel cable and a scaffolding tower - all bearing the names of different hire firms - on the back.

Police found the water treatment compound had been broken into.

McDonagh, of Musbury Crescent, Rawtenstall, admitted theft on November 4.

He was given 180 hours unpaid work, a community order with 12 months supervision and must attend the Think First programme.

He must also pay £60 costs.

Mark Williams, defending, said McDonagh would say the gates to the compound were open as he drove past.

The solicitor said the defendant had not gone out to commit offences, but saw the opportunity by chance and took it.