THREE strong arm “bandits” thought they had hit the jackpot when they removed a gaming machine from a working men’s club.

But the payout for one of the trio was six months in prison when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates.

Michael Mullin, 22, of Cherry Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at Furthergate WMC and theft of a gaming machine and contents worth £1,800.

He was also in breach of a community order imposed for an offence of burglary at commercial premises. The order was revoked and he was sentenced to 120 days in prison.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Mullin and two others had entered the club while the cleaners were in and removed the machine. Mullin was traced through fingerprints left on the bandit.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Mullin had gone off the rails following the breakdown of a relationship.