A MAN who helped himself to £740 cash from his wife's bosses is awaiting sentence by Burnley magistrates.

The court was told how Martin Geoffrey Matthews, 45, was captured on CCTV taking the money from the safe at Tom Wilson's newsagents in Market Street, Colne, on January 14.

Matthews, said to be at a loss as to why he had done it, was unconditionally bailed until March 6, for a pre-sentence report.

The bench told the defendant, who had never been in trouble before, the offence was a breach of trust and he had been stupid. They added they were looking to community service.

Matthews, of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, admitted burglary.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court the defendant's wife Jean worked 20 hours a week at the newsagents and had a full set of keys.

Owner Stephen Riley began to notice money missing from the safe, usually £200 to £300. He installed CCTV cameras.

On the day of the offence, Mrs Matthews opened up the shop and also the safe and about 30 seconds after, the defendant was seen on film taking a cash box containing £740.

Mr Robinson said the owner contacted the police and Matthews was arrested. Officers recovered £1,600 from his house. The defendant fully admitted the theft and said it had been madness.

Glen Smith, defending, said in other respects Matthews lived an entirely straightforward lifestyle. He had absolutely no explanantion for his behaviour and it was a complete abberation.

The defendant was desperataly sorry and was embarrassed and ashamed.

He had not presented any risk or any problem to the community at all.

Mr Smith continued: "He is at a loss to explain it. People do make stupid mistakes and they pay a price for them. He appreciates there is a price to be paid."