A BUILDING worker who drank at least 15 pints after finishing work for Christmas was later found asleep in a stranger's house, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Andrew Goulden was originally arrested for burglary, but it was later accepted that he had not broken into the house with the intention of stealing anything.

Goulden, 24, of Heys Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to damaging the front door of the house in Devonport Road. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £75 costs.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said police were called to Devonport Road by a man who had returned home to find his front door had been broken.

When he entered the house he saw man lying at the top of the stairs who appeared to be asleep. "He called the police and when they arrived they found the defendant, who was still asleep," said Mrs Duckworth.

When interviewed the following day Goulden said he had been drinking since leaving work at midday and had drunk at least 15 pints of lager.

At about 8.30pm he got a taxi home and the next thing he remembered was waking in the police cells.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Goulden was working in Devonport Road before the Christmas break and he thought that was how he had ended up there.

"He was fast asleep when the police arrived and it does seem that was why he went into this house," said Mr Blacklidge.

"He apologises for his behaviour."