A YOUNG dad took the gas meter with him when he moved house.

Burnley magistrates heard Lee Rothwell, 24, then by-passed wires and police spotted that the pre-payment meter had been wound on by hand.

Rothwell, of Clough Street, Burnley, was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 costs. He admitted stealing the meter, stealing gas and dishonestly using electricity.

Dermot Woodhead, defending, said several months ago, Rothwell's wife left with the children.

The property had been rented by her and he had to leave at short notice. He found alternative accommodation, arranged to move and realised no gas meter was fitted. He got a plumber friend to fit the meter from his old premises and only intended to use it for a short time.

Rothwell, who worked at a computer concern, had surrendered himself to a police station.

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