PROPERTY stolen by Peter Hayhurst from a Longridge shop went up in smoke -- literally.

Blackburn magistrates heard that he took £119 worth of rockets on October 29 and when arrested and interviewed by police, it was after bonfire night when the fireworks had been set off.

Hayhurst, 23, of Derby Road, Longridge, pleaded guilty to shoplifting. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £119 compensation and £50 costs.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said it had been an unsophisticated theft which had started as a prank.

"The member of staff clearly knew him and when he went in he had no intention of stealing anything," said Mr Ditta.

"My client and the person he was with were having a bit of a laugh when he picked up the box containing 24 Banshee rockets and unfortunately left without paying."