A taxi driver helped drive a woman and a teenager to a town who were planning on burning out a car.

Wasim Ashraf had taken the woman and a teenager to Burnley where he was spotted walking around in a balaclava in the early hours of the morning.

Preston Crown Court heard how co-defendants Zareen Bi, of Bradford, and the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court earlier this year and were sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to burn out a car.

On July 8, 2021, Bi was caught in a car with Ashraf and the teenager as well as two swords, a machete, a gas-powered pistol, balaclavas, petrol and matches.

During her sentence in April, Bi was handed a 14-month sentence suspended for 18 months, with 35 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

During the same hearing, the teenager was handed an 18-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 120 hours of unpaid work

Prosecuting on Thursday (June 8), Kimberly Obrusik said Ashraf, 37, was a taxi driver and took the pair to Burnley so they could 'burn out someone’s car' but this never happened as the plan was foiled.

Ashraf, who was not involved in the conspiracy to commit criminal damage, was seen at about 4.40am walking around 'suspiciously' and wearing a balaclava.

The police were called and the group started to drive away but were stopped by officers who found weapons in the car including two swords, which Ashraf admitted were his.

Officers also found the car registration had been altered.

In the police interview, he answered no comment to all questions.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a bladed article and one count of fraudulently altering a registration plate on the first day of trial.

Mitigating, Joe Boyd said Ashraf, of Higher Antley Street, Accrington, had no previous convictions or cautions and should not have got involved as it was nothing to do with him.

Mr Boyd said: “This was a very misconceived trip with those involved.

“He was friends with her and there had been conflict.

“He shouldn’t have been there and knows he should not have been there.”

Sentencing, Recorder Richard Clews, said: “It was very foolish of you to become involved in this incident.

“It wasn’t anything to do with you and you should not have agreed to go.”

Ashraf was handed an eight-month sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 90 hours of unpaid work.