A YOUTH who helped steal a chalice from an amusement arcade appeared before Burnley Magistrates for the second time in as many days.

Samuel Horsfall, 22, was captured on video trying to open the cabinet containing the ornament while an accomplice took it, the court was told.

Horsfall, of Patten Street, Colne, admitted theft of the £179 chalice from Nobles Amusements, Colne. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge and told to pay £89 compensation and £25 costs.

The bench said the offence was unsophisticated and opportunistic. Horsfall had been in custody for nearly three days. The day before the defendant had been given a combination order of 60 hours community punishment and nine months community rehabilitation after being convicted of driving while disqualified.

The court was told Horsfall, said to have a drug problem, had 90 previous convictions and had been given a variety of sentences by the court, including custody.

Steven Banks, defending, said Horsfall would say his involvement in the offence was minimal.

He had a poor record, but his offending had curtailed dramatically in recent times. The offence did not cross the custody threshold.

Mr Banks added the defendant took drugs socially and he would say he did not have a habit.