A PENSIONER chained himself to railings outside Burnley police station in a one-man protest when officers failed to return his confiscated computer

Harold Ingham, 69, was demanding the return of equipment taken 10 months ago -- and within a couple of hours he claimed a victory, with police blaming a breakdown in communication for the delay.

Mr Ingham, who won't reveal his address, pleaded guilty to and was fined for producing counterfeit documents on his computer. But since his conviction several months ago he claims being without a computer has harmed his wife Carol's chances on a computer course.

Bound with chains and wrapped in a sleeping bag, Mr Ingham spoke outside the Parker Lane station.

He said: "It was the only way to get something done about getting my computer back for my wife who is going for computer lessons.

"I admitted the charge of forgery and was fined £150. This is the only way to get something done.

"I have been all over the Middle East and I have never been treated like this. It makes me mad.

"That is why I did it. I have also complained to the Chief Constable Pauline Clare about the way I have been treated."

Mr Ingham had threatened to go on hunger strike for three days outside the station, but after two and a half hours in the cold he was talked out of his protest by officers who located and returned his computer.

Sergeant Thom McLoughlin of Burnley Police said: "It is normal procedure when a computer has been used for illegal activity that the equipment is destroyed.

"On this occasion the courts decided that Mr Ingham could have his property returned.

"He is quite happy with the result today and he is not going to make any formal complaint about the police.

"I spoke to him this morning. We contacted the Crown Prosecution Service, but unfortunately because the case is spent we had problems locating the paperwork.

"It was just a breakdown in communication."

"Following these enquiries he was given the computer back.

"At no time during his protest, or before, did he make an attempt to come and speak to me, had he done so I think it would have been dealt with a lot more expediently.

"During his time outside he was offered tea, coffee and food. Mr Ingham exercised his right to a peaceful protest which has been resolved."