A COUPLE woken in the early hours by what they thought was someone trying car door handles looked out of the bedroom window but couldn’t see anyone.

Blackburn magistrates heard a check on the CCTV system the following morning confirmed their suspicions and showed John James Rice walking down York Crescent trying the handles of cars parked on people’s drives.

Rice, 33, of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to vehicle interference.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Gareth Price, defending, said Rice had not stolen anything or caused any damage.

“He tried door handles and when they were locked he moved on,” said Mr Price.