A MAN who was told he was being kicked out of his housing association flat responded by stripping the property.
Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony David Corless removed the washing machine, an electric cooker, a fire and a wooden fire surround, together worth £900.
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Corless, 30, of Formby Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of property belonging to Adullam Homes Housing Association.
He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 40 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £250 compensation.
Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said a member of staff at the housing association attended at the flat and found the washing machine had gone.
The next time she visited the cooker, the fire and the fire surround were missing and the police were informed.
Gareth Price, defending, said his client found himself in financial difficulties after his benefits were stopped.
"A combination of the debt problem and the frustration at being given notice to quit caused him to commit the offence," said Mr Price.
"He had a period of homelessness following the offence."
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