A 22-YEAR-OLD man provided a sanctuary for a child on the run from a council care home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that despite a previous warning from police, Daniel Robert Riley was found harbouring a 14-year-old girl reported missing.

Riley, of De Lacey House, in Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assisting a child to run away or stay away from a responsible person.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £60 costs. A second, similar charge involving a boy was withdrawn.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the girl was in the care of the local authority and had also been found at the defendant's flat on a previous occasion.

He had been cautioned by police and when the girl was again reported missing on July 3 officers went to De Lacey House.

Riley told police that when the children called he had been drinking. He initially refused to let them in but eventually allowed them to enter. He admitted he knew they were in the care of social services.

Graham Tindall, defending, said his client was in full-time employment as a kitchen assistant and it was his first appearance in court.

"The charge conjures up a more sinister scenario than is actually the case," said Mr Tindall. "The girl has strayed from the care home and been reported missing but there is no suggestion he has taken her away against her will."