TWO young men behind bars have won their freedom after owning up to their crimes at Burnley Crown Court.

The pair, Shaun Andrews, 19, and Benjamin Mason, 20, had both been on remand before pleading guilty.

Andrews, of Cog Lane, Burnley, and Mason, of Hart Street, were both given jail terms but had already served the time.

Andrews admitted theft. His co-defendant admitted taking a conveyance without authority and driving while disqualified.

Both, received four-month sentences handed down by Recorder Stephen Davies.

Mark Lamberty prosecuting, said the front of a car CD player stolen in Burnley, was found at Andrews' home.

Andrews claimed he had found it in the street in the early hours and decided to keep it.

A £400 Ford Escort was taken from outside a victim's home. A neighbour's CCTV showed it being driven away at 12.30am.

The car was found hours later when police went to Andrews' home and found the vehicle parked outside.

The prosecutor said Mason was there, denied taking the car but said he had driven it which would explain why his fingerprints were in it.

Martin Hackett, for Andrews, said he did not break into the car and take the front of the stereo player. He was anxious to be released as his partner was due to give birth on August 17.

Mark Stuart, for Mason, said he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had been in custody.