A MAN seen hiding in bushed at 1.50am wearing black clothing and a black woolly hat later claimed he was carrying various tools so he could fix his bike.

Blackburn magistrates heard the bike had a quantity of roofing lead tied to the carrier.

Jamie Caddis, 32, of Fir Street, Nelson, was convicted in his absence of going equipped for theft.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £115 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were alerted to a man acting suspiciously in the Albert Road area of Colne. They found Caddis in the area, wearing clothing that matched the description given. He also had with him a multi-tool, a penknife, a red handled tool and a pair of gloves.

"He was on prison licence at the time of committing this offence," said Miss Allan.

Laura Heywood, defending, had pleaded not guilty to the charge but had not attended on the date of trial.

"He claimed he had the items to fix his bike but he couldn't attend on the day of trial to put forward that explanation," said Miss Heywood.