A HANDYMAN pinched a £700 music mixer and conned items from suppliers claiming they were for his bosses.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Martyn Smith, 41, committed the offences to feed his drug habit, which he developed following the death of his son 10 years ago.

The defendant had got the job after declaring he had no criminal convictions -- but had appeared in court 15 times.

Smith, of Admiral Street, Burnley, admitted theft and deception allegations and asked for further deception offences to be considered.

He was bailed until October 14 for a pre-sentence report and was told by the bench custody was not being ruled out.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, told the court Smith worked at Quest Ltd, electrical suppliers and technology in Burnley, which had a sister company, Rocket Music. He was taken on in March after saying he had no previous convictions.

The defendant went along to suppliers and obtained property on the pretext it was for Quest Ltd but it was for himself.

The offences came to light in April after he took the music mixer from Rocket Music. The managing director located the mixer at a secondhand shop in Burnley after ringing round various shops.

It was on display for £140 and the owner had bought it in good faith for £60.

Dominic Howell, defending, said Smith had a fairly extensive record but last committed an offence in 1998. He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

The defendant turned to drugs to take away the pain after the death of his son.

Smith committed the offences over a relatively short period in March and April when he was still in the grip of his habit. Since then he had taken steps to rehabilitate himself and was now clean of drugs.