A LAW student started impersonating a police officer after being burgled, a court heard.

Damon Kay, 21, drove to a moorland road where he had heard clandestine activities took place and checked on cars and driver documentation.

Kay, also known as Dominic Montgomery, struck twice at Burnley's Crown Point, searching a car and checking tyres.

Burnley magistrates heard how Kay, dressed in a police issue-type jumper with epaulets and numbers, was asked by a suspicious youth why he was driving an old Ford Fiesta and Kay told him that was all they would give him.

Kay, of Stansfeld Street, Blackburn, a student at the University of Central Lancashire, was given 40 hours' community service and told to pay £45 costs after admitting two counts of impersonating a police constable.

Nigel Harrison, prosecuting, said two men were in a car in the early hours and one approached the defendant parked nearby and asked for a light. Kay pulled on a blue jumper and asked: "Why should I?" The sweater appeared standard police issue. The man returned to his friend and said: "It's a copper."

The defendant then got out of his G-Reg Ford Fiesta and shone a torch in the men's faces. He was wearing a visibility jacket, blue shirt and black trousers as well as the jumper.

The defendant then walked around the car and checked the tyres before driving off.

Mr Harrison said three nights later, a group of young people had gathered at Crown Point and Kay approached them wearing what appeared to be a police uniform. He asked to search one car, asked the driver for documents and expressed concern about their authenticity.

One youth was suspicious and asked Kay about his Ford Fiesta and was told it was all they would give him.

Peter Lawson, defending, say Kay had been sharing accommodation and had been burgled. He heard some of those responsible might frequent Crown Point, where "clandestine" activities took place.

He admitted he may have given the impression of a police officer.

Mr Lawson said the convictions would not benefit the defendant's future career and could have jeopardised it for a long time.

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