TWO men who were "sent" to steal a dumper truck worth thousands of pounds have both escaped a jail sentence.

Burnley Crown Court was told how David Pegg, 42, and Terence Collingwood, 22, had loaded their haul on to the back of a wagon in Accrington and were paid a "small remuneration" for their troubles.

A judge told both they could not have complained if they had been sent to custody.

Recorder Michael Laprell said the defendants were not the prime movers in the offence - but if they had been and had been stealing for their sole benefits he may have taken a different view.

The pair were not going to be the main beneficiaries of their actions.

The judge told Pegg he was a much more experienced criminal than his accomplice and had been jailed several times.

Recorder Laprell said Pegg clearly came from a very difficult background and had had his ups and downs in life, but there may be some prospect of him giving up crime. He was being given his last chance - and should take it. The judge told Collingwood he had a "developing criminal record," and had in the past been to prison.

Pegg, of Preston Old Road, Preston, and Collingwood, of Berkeley Crescent, Padiham, both admitted theft. Pegg was given 100 hours community punishment with two years' community rehabilitation.

Collingwood received two years community rehabilitation.

Both must attend the Think First programme.