A SNEAK-IN burglar who stole a set of car keys told the owners he was looking for his football when they disturbed him trying to steal the vehicle.

Blackburn magistrates heard Thomas William Bank walked away from the Rishton home but returned shortly after and tried for a second time to take the car.

This time the owners knew he had their keys were missing and followed Bank until they were able to point him out to a police officer.

Bank, 20 of Astbury Chase, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house in Station Close, Rishton, and theft of keys and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. He was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

The court heard Jack and Lynn Norris were at home on Sunday when they heard the alarm sounding on their car. While looking for the keys they saw Bank on the drive and challenged him.

He walked off an Mr Norris got in his van to go after him and get the keys back. While he was gone bank returned and again tried to start the car. Mrs Norris challenged him and he became abusive before leaving again.

This time Mrs Norris followed him in her car and eventually identified him to a police officer.

Angela Rossi, defending, said Bank had been very drunk and had no recollection of the incident.