AN "enterprising" duo handed themselves into police after committing a burglary at a Lake District premises in a "bizarre" attempt to get a travel warrant back to their homes in Blackpool.

Mark Turner, 30, of no fixed abode and Damian Hough, 27, of Bright Street, Blackpool, were camping in Windermere but ran out of money halfway through their trip.

To get back to Blackpool, the pair decided to break into Mountain Goat's premises in Victoria Street, Windermere, so that they could get arrested before phoning police to hand themselves in.

They were both remanded in custody overnight before making an appearance at Furness Magistrates' Court this morning where they both pleaded guilty to committing burglary with intent to steal.

Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told the court that at approximately 10pm last night, Hough smashed one of the window of the premises with a hammer and entered the building which caused the alarm to be triggered.

No items were taken by the pair who phoned the police from a telephone box after committing the offence and waited to be arrested by officers.

Michael Graham, defending, described their venture as "aimless" and said that they co-operated with police by waiting at the scene of the crime.

He added: "They had an enterprising idea to get back to Blackpool by committing an offence, getting arrested and getting a travel warrant back to Blackpool."

"They admit that there was an element of stupidity in their escapade."

Presiding magistrate, Chris Harris, labelled the pair's stunt as "bizarre" as the bench handed them both 12-month community orders which will see them each complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

They must also each pay £150 in compensation for the damage caused to the window as well as court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of the same amount.

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