A CHIP shop was trashed by burglars who stole £250 worth of soft drinks, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Thomas McClung was arrested after police found his fingerprints on a can of dandelion and burdock at the scene.

McClung, 20, of Hawthorne Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to burglary at Marsh House chip shop in Darwen and was remanded on bail until April 28 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said the owner had left the property locked but when he returned found food strewn over the floor.

"Every freezer and fridge door had been left open, effectively destroying all the food on the premises," said Mr Standage.

"An alarm box had been prised off the wall causing the system to malfunction and damage to the fittings inside the shop cost over £350 to repair."

He added that McClung had only been released from custody eight days before the offence was committed.

Inviting the magistrates to adjourn for reports, Daniel King, defending, said there were three men involved in the burglary.

"Others were involved and did more than he did but he accepts that he is equally responsible and does not seek to avoid his responsibilities," said Mr King.

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