A TENANT pinched a former houseowner's credit card after it dropped though his door and went on a month-long £6,000 spending spree.

Burnley magistrates heard how newly-redundant Carl Field, 28, used the card of a man who died.

His widow, who thought the account had been closed, was caused upset after police turned up at her door.

Field, who went within £6 of the limit on the card, realised what he was doing was wrong, cut up the card and made a £20 repayment.

The defendant, of Cross Street, Briercliffe, Burnley, admitted four counts of theft and one of deception in May and June last year and asked for 19 offences to be considered.

He was given 150 hours community service and must pay £6,094 compensation. Sentencing, the bench told him the offences had been high value and planned and the widow had been vulnerable.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the credit card, cheques and PIN number of the man who died arrived at the house where Field was then living.

The defendant used the card to buy a £1,069 television and also withdrawing cash.The credit limit on the card was £6,100 and Field spent £6,094.

Mr Parker said the man's widow thought the account had been closed and was caused distress not only having to deal with things relating to her late husband's finances but by the offences.

Richard Taylor, defending, said at the time Field had just been made redundant.

The solicitor went on: "It was exactly at the wrong time these letters dropped though his letter box. He was tempted to use the card and he did. He realised what he was doing was wrong and cut the card up. He intends to try to repay the money."

The solicitor said the defendant was now working as an engineer.