AN Argos cleaner helped himself to a DVD player and then made a run for it when he was spotted, a court heard.

Colin Raw, 39, who knew the store made checks on staff, later sold the player to a friend for £15.

He could not explain why he had stolen it, Burnley magistrates were told.

Raw, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, admitted theft of the £79.99 player on March 15 at the Burnley branch.

The defendant, who has a criminal record, was bailed until today for a pre-sentence report, and the bench told him all options were open.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court it was Argos store policy to operate random stop and searches on staff.

Raw was searched, the DVD player was found on him and he ran from the store.

The store manager then made a stock check and found an empty box. Police were called and the defendant was interviewed.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Raw could not explain why he had done it.