A 28-YEAR-OLD Blackburn man scratched his former girlfriend's car with a key in the early hours, a court was told.

But Blackburn magistrates heard the incident had been captured on a closed circuit TV system that Kim Welding had installed at her home because of previous incidents.

The court was told that only the day before Lee James Blackburn had been arrested by police with regard to damage to a window at her home.

Blackburn, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to causing £200 worth of damage to the car. He was remanded on bail until January 13 so the other charge of criminal damage can be brought before the court at the same time.

Clare Fanning, prosecuting, said the CCTV footage clearly showed Blackburn sneaking up to the car at 1.20 am. He scratched the car before running off.

Miss Fanning said Blackburn and Miss Welding had been partners but since the breakdown of their relationship there had been a number if incidents. Jonathan Taylor, defending, said it made sense to deal with all outstanding matters at the same time.