AN offence described as "a drunken, stupid prank" led to a court appearance and a first conviction for dishonesty for two youths.

Rossendale magistrates heard the 19-year-olds, from Bacup, were walking home along Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, when one decided to break into a car parked at Glen Service Station and steal the radio cassette.

But the theft was seen by a witness who called the police and, in a panic, the second youth stuffed the radio in a waste paper bin, said Kendal Linley, prosecuting.

"Both were arrested and admitted their part in what was a drunken, stupid prank. No-one gained from it and the defendants had no previous convictions for dishonesty," said Mr Linley. Lee Antony Corless, of Rossendale Crescent, admitted theft of property from a vehicle and Douglas John Smith, of Pennine Road, admitted handling stolen goods.

Terry Bird, for Corless, said the offence was "utterly pointless and stupid" and was caused by drink.

He said Corless, a trainee manager, was drunk and could remember little about the incident but accepted the evidence of witnesses.

The solicitor added that Corless accepted he had been drinking too much and too often and now realised he had to change. The bench fined him £150 with £35 costs.

Bill Rawstron, for Smith, said the youth did not take part in the theft from the car but knew the radio was stolen when his friend produced it and said: "Have a look at this."

When the police arrived Smith tried to hide the stolen radio and was arrested himself. Mr Rawstron said: "It is a shame that because of a few seconds' foolishness he will lose his good character."

The magistrates conditionally discharged Smith for a year and ordered £35 costs.

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