TERRY Johnson, 24, of Hancock Street, Blackburn, was remanded on bail until March 23 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports after pleading guilty to stealing a Panasonic camcorder belonging to NHS Communicare.

The court heard that the £500 recorder was kept in a locked storeroom at Bridge House, Whalley Banks, but Johnson was seen walking down the street carrying it.

He told police he had found it in Whalley Banks and said he should have handed it in.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Johnson had found what appeared to be a briefcase in the street and had picked it up.