JOHN McKay broke into the home of his ex-partner with his son after they found themselves on the streets homeless, cold and hungry.

Blackburn magistrates heard the woman in question witnessed the break-in from a neighbour's house and the two men were arrested at the scene.

John McKay, 59, and Scott McKay, 24, both of no fixed address pleaded guilty to criminal damage. They were each fined £100 and ordered to serve one day in custody in default.

Both men had been in custody for three days and were released immediately.

Peter Wilde, prosecuting, said both men were under the influence of alcohol when they were arrested on Friday evening.

Julian Peers, defending Scott, said Friday had been a bitterly cold day.

"My client was cold, he was tired and he wanted somewhere to sleep," said Mr Peers. "He thought his mother would have him back but she was not at home."

Michael Blacklidge, defending John McKay, said his client was a chronic alcoholic who slept rough most of the time.