THOMAS Maurice Ward, 49, of Broomhall Road, Swinton, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates and pleaded not guilty to burglary at a flat above the Old Red Lion Hotel, Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden with intent to steal.

Ward also denied theft of a £2,500 quad bike belonging to Maria Guerin in Blackburn in June and elected to stand trial at the Crown Court on that charge as well.