A SWIMMING baths raider was found inside the premises eating an ice-cream by police.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Abid Ali, then on drugs, had to have 66 stitches in his leg after smashing his way into Pendle Wavelengths in May.

Ali, of Railway Street, Nelson, admitted burglary and failing to surrender and was bailed until 8 October for a pre-sentence report.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police found the glass door broken and went in to talk to the manager and after about five minutes Ali appeared eating an ice cream. When he was asked what he was doing, the defendant slurred his words and said two others had run off and left him.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to his cut leg and said he had taken about seven Temazepan tablets.

Ali, who said he had a £20-a-day drug habit, said the next thing he remembered was being at the hospital.

Glen Smith, defending, said Ali had a drug habit and did not know what had caused him to go into the swimming centre.

He had now come off drugs on his own.