A STUDENT who left her mobile phone in a taxi was "given the run-around" by someone who said they would bring it back in return for cash, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard the first demand was for £50 and then £100 but eventually the phone was traced to Mohammed Khan because of the calls that he made.

After a trial Khan, 42, of Saunders Road, Blackburn, was convicted of handling stolen goods.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £150 costs.

Kathy Allan, prosecuting, said Sharon Clegg rang the taxi firm as soon as she realised she had left her phone in the cab.

"She heard the driver confirm they had found it but 30 minutes later it had not been delivered as promised," said Miss Allan.

"She says she was given the run-around for one and a half hours by someone saying they would bring it back for £50 and then £100.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said his client was not the person who acquired the phone.

"His involvement was that once the phone was lost or stolen he used it," said Mr Ditta.