A man was “cuckooed” by a couple he allowed into his home because she was pregnant.

Blackburn magistrates heard as soon as the baby was born it was taken away but Sam Horsfall and his partner refused to leave the man’s home.

In a harrowing victim impact statement, he told how between December 1, 2023, and February 28, they used his home as a drugs den, inviting their friends round to smoke illegal substances, and he had to leave because the smell of the drugs was making him feel sick.

They also locked him in the flat on six or seven occasions and when police eventually told him they had been arrested he said he was terrified of what might happen to him.

“I can’t return to my home, I would rather sleep on the streets than go home. I am terrified,” he said.

Horsfall, 43, of Harold Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to harassment.

He was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 12 months with a 20-day rehab activity requirement and six months drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and made subject to a restraining order for five years which prohibits any contact with the victim.

Deputy District Judge Kate Harvey told Horsfall he was “incredibly lucky” to have been charged in the way that he had.

“The way it has been charged ties my hands somewhat,” she said. “I am just persuaded that you can be managed in the community.”

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said the victim, who was 65 at the time of the offence, lived alone in a downstairs flat.

He was asked if he could provide shelter for Carrie Keogh who was pregnant and homeless and he agreed.

“She stayed for about three months without any problem and then Horsfall arrived and she asked if he could stay as well,” said Mr Gaffney.

“[The victim] was under the impression they would leave as soon as the baby was born but that didn’t happen.”