A MAN stole a playstation and a hi-fi on New Year's Eve, a court heard.

The owner of the house in Nancy Street, Darwen, had not noticed the break-in until New Year's Day.

Julie Harrison awoke to find smashed glass from a kitchen window. A playstation, games, hi-fi and wedding ring - together worth £739 - were missing, Preston Crown Court heard.

At 10.30am on January 1, a man bought the stolen items for £100. John Quinn, 23, of Marsh House Lane, Darwen, sold the goods just hours after stealing them.

Quinn, who pleaded guilty to the burglary, also admitted handling stolen goods. A playstation, games and a video recorder were stolen in a burglary at Sudell Road, Darwen, a week after the burglary by Quinn. He admitted handling the goods worth around £700.

Quinn, a professional second hand dealer, took them to Games World in Duckworth Street and sold the playstation for £50.

Sentence was adjourned to June 2.

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