A garage owner who heard noises coming from the roof of his premises went out and saw two men removing lead and slates.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the owner, members of his staff and members of the public stood on the canal bank and watched John Terence Riley and his associate going about their 'business'.

The two eventually realised they had been spotted and tried to escape but were detained until police arrived.

Riley, 47, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to attempted theft from JK Shanley Motor Engineers, Rockliffe Street.

He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months.