Accrington Stanley's conman ex-physio lied to a judge as well and kept his freedom -- but only just.

Kelvin Clark, 39, had been made the subject of a deferred sentence after he claimed he had been studying for a sports qualification and he later alleged he had taken exams -- but it turned out he never went on the course at all..

Clark, who had gone spending with a credit card taken from Stanley's changing room, was given 120 hours community punishment, which Judge David Pirie described as a "direct alternative to prison."

The judge said both he and Clark knew he expected to go to jail, but he was taking the chance to see if the defendant could break the run of offending. He said he had to be careful not to go down the road of imprisonment because Clark had misled him and the defendant had stayed clear of crime for six months -- which on the whole he had not succeeded in doing over the years. Clark was possibly at an age where he was prepared to change his ways.

He added if Clark breached the order, he would be bought back before him and he warned: "I will remember."

Clark, of Rutland Close, Clayton-le-Moors, had earlier admitted handling stolen goods, deception and attempted deception.

June Morris, prosecuting, said in April last year, a professional player had his wallet stolen from his trouser pocket in the changing room at Accrington Stanley.

Two weeks later, the defendant went into Accrington Golf Club shop, was chatty and bought two T-shirts worth £37 using the stolen credit card. The assistant became suspicious after Clark purported to be a member of Whalley Golf Club but didn't know the name of the professional. Clark's car number plate was taken and the card slip retained.

Miss Morris said the same afternoon, the defendant went to Whalley Golf Club, where he tried to buy second-hand golf clubs for £50. He offered the credit card, but as the club had been forewarned, the assistant refused to take the card and the defendant had to pay cash. Clark later told police he had bought the card off a man.

The court was told Clark had appeared before the court 13 times for a 'substantial' number of dishonesty offences and in January 1999, was sent to jail for 18 months.

Anthony Cross, defending, said Clark was sorry he lied. He had not committed any offences since the deferred sentence and that was perhaps the most serious consideration.

He had not been on the college course and had told "quite terrible lies." Clark had continued to work when he could but, sadly, the publicity which surrounded the case had led to him losing his job at Stanley.

Mr Cross said the defendant had the chance of working with a professional football club which he would not name. He had talent and whilst he had led" a life of adult fraud" the offences were not the most serious.