A MAN found rooting through skips at a waste disposal site was looking for "bits and bobs" for his hostel room.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Arthur Taylor had just moved into the Islington Motel, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, and had very few possessions.

And Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the magistrates may feel some sympathy for someone reduced to stealing from skips.

Taylor, 44, pleaded guilty to being found on enclosed premises for an unlawful purpose.

He was given a conditional discharge for nine months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

Mr Taylor said a friend told the defendant about the waste disposal centre in George Street West.

"This site contains skips that are full of people's discarded items and he was just hoping to find some items to furnish his room," he added.