A HOMELESS man who wanted to be sent to prison was given a conditional discharge instead.

After Blackburn magistrates had announced their decision Billy Hilton said; "OK, I'll see you tomorrow then."

Hilton, 38, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and was given a conditional discharge for six months.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police were called to St James' Road where Hilton was arguing with a Mr Akhtar who said he had been threatened with a hammer.

Mr Akhtar said he didn't was Hilton living at his house anymore.

"Hilton made a counter accusation that Mr Akhtar had taken a lot of money off him," said Mr Parker.

"In front of the police the defendant referred to smoke coming out of the windows of the property and said that was a promise and not a threat."

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had been evicted from the Salvation Army three weeks ago and Mr Akhtar had offered him a room at his house.

"Since then he has been asking for more and more money which led to this argument," said Mr Prew.

"He is adamant he wants to go to prison. He wouldn't co-operate with any community penalty and has nowhere to live so a curfew is not an option."

Mr Prew said his client wanted to go to prison so that he could work with the probation service and hopefully have somewhere to live on his release."