A 32-year-old man who stole from cars to fund his heroin habit was caught after police found photographic equipment belonging to a college lecturer at his home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Bernard Rawstron went on to admit a total of 10 offences involving nearly £5,000 worth of property.

Rawstron, of Bute Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft from a motor vehicle and asked for nine others to be taken into consideration. He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Rawstron had been candid with police and admitted he would use as much heroin as he could afford and that would be funded by stealing.

Rawstron said he did not wish to be represented by a solicitor and asked the magistrates to deal with him without "wasting any time" on reports.