WILLIE Carter was caught on camera stealing coffee from the magistrates retiring room at Blackburn Magistrates' Court.

And within minutes he was caught red-handed stealing confectionary from the cafeteria off the court corridor.

Carter, 32, of Mosley Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and the cases were remitted to Hyndburn magistrates. Carter was remanded on bail with a condition that he does not enter Blackburn magistrates court. Two charges of burglary were withdrawn.

Carter's pilfering began after he had made an appearance in court when charges of burglary and theft had been withdrawn. Having left the dock he sat at the side of court and, after one reprimand for talking, was ordered to leave the court room.

Minutes later he was caught on video entering and leaving the magistrates retiring room and shortly afterwards was disturbed by a security officer in the room used by the WRVS for serving refreshments.

The room is separated from the witness waiting room by a partition and two police officers, waiting there to give evidence, arrested Carter.

Daniel King, defending, said it would not be right for the Blackburn magistrates to deal with the case to a conclusion.

It is very difficult for you to be objective because he took your coffee," said Mr King. "However, you must be objective and when considering whether he should be granted bail you should ask if he had taken someone else's coffee would you remanded him in custody."