A man in handcuffs walked away from police after they left him in an unlocked car.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how when officers caught up with Karl Sharples he had cut through the link between the two “bracelets” which were still on his wrists.

Sharples, 35, of Sudell Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and obstructing a police officer.

He was given a nine-month community order with a drugs rehab requirement and 15 rehab activity days.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said Sharples' obstruction charge was for giving a false name, and not due to him leaving the police car as he had not technically been arrested at the time.

Officers had detained Sharples and another man on suspicion of burglary. 

“They cuffed both of them and sat them in the police car while they were making enquiries,” said Mr Tindall.

“One of them ran off and both the police officers chased him. When they got back the defendant had gone.”

Jonathan Taylor, mitigating, said as far as his client was concerned he wasn’t involved in any criminal activities and that was supported by the police's enquiries.

“He wasn’t arrested but he was put in the back of the police car in cuffs,” said Mr Taylor.

"He was left there for some time and eventually just walked away.”

Mr Taylor said following his arrest his client spent three days in custody waiting to appear in court.