A MAN who broke into the grounds of Phil Neville's Rossendale home said he wanted to talk to the Manchester United and England player.

Jonathon Greenwood, 22, Southfield, London, was bound over for a year in the sum of £200 at Rossendale Magistrates Court after admitting behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace.

The court was told that on April 28 Phil Neville was at home in Crawshawbooth with his wife, Julie, when he heard "loutish" shouting coming from the grounds of his home.

He looked out of an upstairs window and saw three people damaging outdoor lanterns. He asked his wife to call the police and Greenwood, a professional snowboarder, was arrested.

Prosecuting, Neil White said: "The defendant said he wanted to speak to Mr Neville during an interview, but did not expand on that.

He said the footballer leaned out of the window and asked them to leave his property in a manner that left them in no uncertainty.

"They left in the direction of a gate, but the police were already on their way. Greenwood was arrested, but two others ran off."

Defending Greenwood, Janet Symm said her client, who had no previous convictions, admitted there had been damaged caused, but insisted he was not responsible.

She said: "The other friends he was with have not been apprehended. They were very drunk and realised the property they were at belonged to Phil Neville. They were walking through woods then realised they had entered a private residence."

Greenwood admitted there had been damage caused and had already paid £50 compensation to the police.