A DEMOLITION contractor refused a business development loan because of his criminal record decided to help himself to new tools from a hire shop as he returned from a drinking session.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Andrew Greenhough climbed into Smith's Tool Hire in King Street.

But after cutting his hand after smashing a glass door panel. he climbed out, into the arms of waiting police officers alerted by the 'silent' alarm. Greenhough, 30, of Abraham Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation for the broken glass and £65 costs.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Greenhough passed the hire shop after a row with his partner and in his drunken stupor thought he might be able to get tools.