FRANCIS Taylor was able to walk out of police custody -- because he ran out of toilet roll.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Taylor was allowed to use the toilet at his communal accommodation while he and a police officer waited for transport to take him to the station.

But when the officer heard a loud bang and looked in to see an empty cubicle and an open window he put two and two together and reached the conclusion that Taylor had done a runner.

But Kevin Preston, defending, told the court the only place his client had run to was the next cubicle to get some toilet paper.

"The officer rushed off and my client thought it was his birthday and off he went to get another bottle of sherry," said Mr Preston.

Taylor, 37, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, was originally charged with escaping from lawful custody but that was withdrawn and he pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer. He also pleaded guilty to shoplifting and breach of bail conditions and was remanded on bail until May 22 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Neil White, prosecuting, said PC Paul Watterson had gone to Taylor's home and arrested him for the breach of bail conditions. They were waiting for transport when Taylor asked to go to the toilet.

"The officer was waiting outside when he heard a loud bang," said Mr White. "He went in and found an empty cubicle and no sign of Taylor."

Mr Preston said Taylor's offending was related to his alcohol problem. He said Taylor is hoping to obtain a place on a residential rehabilitation programme and has an appointment with the community drugs team on April 28.