A FRIEND gave himself up at the police station after hearing that his pal was being questioned about theft of cash from a washing machine meter, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mark Anthony Lonsdale went to the police station and admitted that he was responsible for the theft.

Lonsdale, 36, of Mosley Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house in Ivinson Road, Darwen.

He was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

The court heard that the occupier was in the process of moving house and had moved some of her possessions.

Stephen Parker, defending, said Lonsdale was homeless at the time of the offence and thought the owner had already vacated the property.

He added: "When a friend was questioned by the police he went to the police station."