A MAN seen crouching by a parked car and trying the door handle claimed he had been hiding because he had been chased by a group of lads.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police arrested Lee Campbell he was in possession of a bank card belonging to someone else which heightened their suspicions.

Campbell, 43, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to vehicle interference. He was fined £80 with £34 victim surcharge and £26 costs.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police were flagged down by a witness who had seen Campbell trying car door handles. The witness was able to point Campbell out to the officers and he was arrested.

Gareth Price, defending, said the bank card found on his client had not been stolen from a car.

"It belonged to a friend and that explanation was accepted by the police," said Mr Price. "The case is put on the basis that he was trying a door handle and nothing else."

Mr Price said Campbell had been out of trouble for a number of years.