A HOMELESS man phoned police and told them he was going to break a window at Blackburn Railway Station.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when officers arrived Ben Young said he wanted to go to prison.

The court heard it was the second day in a row Young had appeared in court on a charge of criminal damage.

Young, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £30 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said Young had been at a low point in his life and committed an offence to get a night in custody.

After his release he telephoned the police and informed them he was about to commit the criminal damage so he could have another night in the cells.

Mr Cassidy said: "It is tragic that a young man finds himself in this position."