ASJAD Rafique left his own personal message on his mobile phone before swapping it with one in a box, which was subsequently sold to a customer at the Phone People Shop. in Blackburn.

But the switch was discovered when the customer complained and one of Rafique's co-workers switched the phone on and heard the message.

Rafique, 18, of Hendon Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty at Blackburn magistrates to stealing a Nokia phone worth £299. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Rafique had a Saturday job at the shop and, as a result, was entitled to a free mobile phone. On the day in question, a Mr Barratt had purchased a phone but returned the same day, complaining that the phone did not work and had been used previously. When the salesman tested the phone he heard the message and recognised it as being one Rafique had used in the past.

Rafique was sacked on the spot and when the police arrived admitted stealing the new phone in order to sell it.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said the message Rafique left on the phone was 'unique' and it was inevitable he would be found out.

"He immediately returned the phone the customer thought he had purchased and held his hands up," said Mr Ditta.

He said Rafique's parents were in Pakistan at the time and he and his two elder brothers were responsible for looking after his four younger sisters and his four younger brothers.

"There was some pressure on him to bring some money into the house and, had he sold the phone, that is where the money would have gone," said Mr Ditta.

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