A THIEF who took a generator from a building site claimed he was punched by the owner.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Dennis Williams, 20, was kept in a container by the victim until police arrived and his solicitor told the court the man hit him in the face.

Williams, of Church Meadows, Colne, admitted theft and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said a friend of the builder saw the defendant and another man put the generator in the boot of a car.

He stood in front of the vehicle, asked them to put it back, they did and said ;"Sorry mate, we're skint."

The owner tried to put both men inside a container until police arrived, but one escaped.

Mr Robinson said the owner claimed he did not assault the defendant, but said that Williams slipped climbing into the container.

Bridgette Hibbert, defending, said the offence was not premeditated. Williams believed once the generator was returned they would be allowed to leave, but he was then punched in the face.