A MAN whose cousin suggested a shoplifting trip at first thought she was joking.

Blackburn magistrates heard Tibor Kiss went along with the suggestion but they were caught red-handed.

His cousin received a caution but Kiss was prosecuted and spent three days in police cells before appearing in court.

Kiss, 26, of Stock Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to stealing sports shoes from Sports Direct, Active Way, Burnley. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 victim surcharge.

Janice Vallance, prosecuting, said staff became suspicious when they saw Kiss and his co-accused enter the shop carrying a cooler bag which was foil lined. As they were leaving the store the alarm was activated and a security tag, which had been removed from a pair of shoes was found in the other person's pocket.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said when they were stopped his client was totally compliant and his co-defendant was more animated.

"She received a caution but he didn't," said Mr Frazer.

"When the idea of stealing was first brought up he thought it was a joke. When he realised it wasn't he should have walked away but he accepts he went along with it."