A 33-year-old Darwen man agreed to pawn some jewellery even though he suspected it was stolen.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mark Walmsley, who was given £20 for his part in the offence, claimed he did not know the gold rings and bracelets had been stolen in a burglary.

Walmsley, of Mersey Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and assaulting a police officer.

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

Philippa White, prosecuting, said police went to Walmsley's address investigating the burglary.

He became aggressive and at one stage lunged at an officer and tried to punch him.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Walmsley had moved to Darwen to make a fresh start and in the main had been doing very well.

"He had been keeping out of trouble until he met the man who offered him £20 to pawn these items," said Mr Church-Taylor.