TWO men who burgled a derelict Blackburn nightclub escaped with aluminium cans and a beer pump.

But Blackburn magistrates heard the owners did not want the property back and had asked the police to dispose of it.

Tony Walsh, 37, of Oxford Close, and Ian Holden, 35, of Chapel Street, both Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft at the Millennium nightclub, Cicely Lane. They were each given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £118 costs.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said police found them hiding inside but they later admitted visiting the property earlier and stealing the cans and beer pump.

Stephen Parker, defending Holden, said there was no formal application for compensation and Brent Patterson for Walsh, said there was a statement requesting the police to dispose of the property because the owners did not want it.

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