A 32-YEAR-OLD man took his friend’s television while the owner was in the shower and sold it at Cash Converters.

Blackburn magistrates heard the owner realised what had happened and dressed quickly and got to the shop before the deal had been done.

He told the assistant the set was his but while he was going home to get proof his friend was given £20 for the set.

Gary James Thompson, 32, of the Islington Motel, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of the TV belonging to Paul Nuttall.

He was fined £70 with £105 costs. The magistrates made no order for compensation for Cash Converters who were £20 out of pocket.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the two men were both resident at the Islington, and Thompson had raised the possibility of selling the TV but his friend had said no.

Rachael Griffiths, defending, said Thompson’s understanding was that they had agreed to sell the set and split the proceeds.

“He insists he did split the money with the aggrieved who said he wasn’t going to involve the police,” said Miss Griffiths.