DANIEL Hill used a false name and identification when he hired tools worth £410 from ACME Hire.

Blackburn magistrates heard the shop manager tried to confirm the identification by phoning the solicitor who Hill said had provided a letter but could only speak to a member of staff. And when he eventually spoke to the solicitor he was told identififcation should be simple because the client to whom the letter referred was on crutches.

The court heard that by the time Hill, of Bridge Street, Blackburn, who needed no help in walking ,had left with the equipment. He never returned.

Hill pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception and to stealing a bottle of cognac worth £25 from Morrisons. He was given a conditional charge for 12 months and ordered to pay £325 costs.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Hill had been to the shop the previous week and established the identification requirements before property could be hired. He returned with the letter vouching for his identification.

"He was very confidant and even suggested the manager phone the solicitors firmtoand check," said Mr Macro.

Hill was arrested for the shoplifting offence nearly a month later and a police officer recognised him as the person who had been caught on camera in the hire shop.

Daniel King, defending, said prior to these offences and a caution shortly beforehand, Hill had never been in trouble with the law.

"The offences were committed as a result of a friendship with someone who was in the habit of acting dishonestly and encouraged my client to join him," said Mr King. "It was the other person who provided the identification."