A COMPANY director went on a spending spree with a stolen credit card and ran up a £2,022 bill, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard Derek Theodore, 37, had once enjoyed considerable financial success but fell into trouble because his partner was unable to budget properly.

The defendant, of Carr Hall Lane, Barnoldswick, admitted theft, two deception charges and asked for 16 offences to be considered. He was given 150 hours community punish-ment and must pay compensation at £200 a month as well as £75 costs.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court in July last year a credit card was sent to a woman's previous address in Barnoldswick. She had moved on but Theodore was the new tenant.

He opened her mail, took charge of the card and the PIN number and used it to the tune of £2,022.

The card was used for cash withdrawals, in shops and petrol stations and while the defendant and his partner were on holiday.

Mrs Campbell said Theodore at one point gave the card to his girlfriend. Both were arrested but she was cautioned.

When the defendant was interviewed, he made no comment but when he was questioned a second time he admitted opening the mail and the various offences. Theodore was last convicted of dishonesty in 1988.

Dylan Bradshaw, defend-ing, said Theodore was ashamed of his actions, committed during financial difficulties.

Theodore, whose company specialised in taking public houses from breweries and finding new tenants, had in the past enjoyed considerable financial success.

His partner had confirmed in writing she could not budget properly.