TWO men who tried to help themselves to roof slates from a fire damaged house in Accrington, have both been sent to jail.

Robert Johnstone, 37, of Royds Street, Accrington, has gone to custody for three months, to be served on top of a three and a half year sentence he is currently serving.

George Freeston, 43, of Oswald Street in the town, is behind bars for two months. Both admitted attempted theft, at Burnley Crown Court.

Sentencing them, Judge Raymond Bennett said there had to be a prison sentence. He went on: "People who go around trying to steal slates, whether they are fire damaged or not, must know that if they are caught doing it, they will be sent away."

The court heard the duo were seen taking slates from the house. They claimed they had been given permission by the owner.

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