A CONVICTED thief who twice slashed the tyres of a friend's car following an argument over money has been ordered to pay £305 in fines, compensation and costs by Hyndburn magistrates.

The court heard David Hargreaves, 33, vandalised a Ford Escort belonging to friend Paul Barton on two occasions in November last year.

Hargreaves of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, admitted two charges of criminal damage. He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £125 costs, along with £30 compensation for the two damaged tyres.

Alfred Rebello, defending, said Hargreaves had lent Mr Barton £30 but had not been paid back. He said the two men had since become friends again.

Hargreaves, whose previous convictions include burglary, theft and driving while disqualified, had previously denied the offences.

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