POLICE caught seven alleged joy riders after they stopped a stolen car in the early hours, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how a 16-year-old was at the wheel, David James Connolly, 18, was in the passenger seat and five girls were in the back.

Connolly, of Arthur Street, Brierfield, admitted allowing himself to be carried in a car taken without authority. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge with £75 costs.

The 16-year-old from Nelson, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted taking a car without without authority, no driving licence and no insurance and a 16-year-old girl from Brierfield admitted allowing herself to be carried. A 14-year-old girl from Colne was accused of allowing herself to be carried but did not enter a plea. They were all bailed to appear before the youth court at Reedley on April 19 and cannot be named for legal reasons.

Elizabeth Read, prosecuting, told the court the Vauxhall Corsa was taken from Barrowford at about 8.30pm.

At 4.10am, police were on patrol on B;ackburn Road, Haslingden, when they saw the car travelling at speed in the town centre. It was damaged and checks revealed it had been stolen.

Brian Irlam, defending, said Connolly had been at a friend's house in the early hours and had been drinking cider . There had been a knock at the door and the defendant had been asked if he wanted to go for a ride round.

Mr Irlam went on :"A certain amount of joyriding took place. The defendant apologises for his behaviour. It was an isolated lapse and he has been seeking work."