A MAN who went to steal lead off a church roof found he had been beaten to it.

Blackburn magistrates heard Simon Leeburn found another man was already on the roof of the Life Church in Sycamore Street.

He eventually agreed to help the other man remove lead while his girlfriend kept watch.

Leeburn, 31, and Ebony Holden, 22, both of Grange Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of lea flashing. Leeburn was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 250 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 victim surcharge. Holden was fined £120 with £100 compensation and £30 victim surcharge. The fine was set against the two days she had spent in custody since her arrest.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said a witness called police after seeing someone on the roof of the church across the road from the pub where she was. She also saw a female on the floor apparently keeping watch. She said the caretaker estimated the cost of repairing to roof to be in excess of £1,000.

Keith Rennison, for Leeburn, said his client was under the impression the building was a swimming pool which was due for demolition.

"He was not aware that it was a church and says he is disgusted with himself now he knows that," said Mr Rennison.

Geoffrey Ireland, for Holden, said she had never been in trouble before and had been persuaded to take part in the offence by her partner who was older and more criminally sophisticated.