A MAN wearing a hi-vis jacket was caught on CCTV entering a Colne restaurant at night.

Blackburn magistrates heard the CCTV footage also showed that three men had entered Tubbs of Colne prior to Dean Mortimer arrived on the scene and went in through an already open door.

Mortimer, 49, of Burnley Road, Loveclough, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft. He was remanded on bail until November 6 for a pre-sentence report.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said the charged detailed the property stolen as an iPad, Lenovo tablet, Apple Airpods, 40 bottles of spirits and two electric screwdrivers together worth £1,910.

"The defence case is that he is not responsible for stealing all that property which is perhaps supported by the CCTV footage," said Mr Gaffney.

"Three males were seen to enter the commercial premises and then leave. A short time later the defendant went into the property. He says he just happened upon the open door."

Mr Gaffney said Mortimer was wearing a hi-vis jacket and was immediately recognised by a police officer who knew him.

David Lawson, defending, had not been in trouble since 2013. Due to his mental health issues he had been resident at Calderstones until his release in 2017.

"He suffers a number of problems and it would clearly be of benefit to have a pre-sentence report prepared for the sentencing bench," said Mr Lawson.