A LEIGH man dishonestly used credit cards sent to the former occupiers of his new home.

Mark Pemberton fraudulently obtained between £8,000- £9,000 by using the two accounts which had been opened by the couple who lived in the house before he and his family moved in in December 2003.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the offences, which included Pemberton booking a luxury holiday, came to light last October after one of the banks involved, MBNA, contacted the account holder asking why she had not paid anything off her account.

The woman had never used the account and unknown to her Pemberton had been using it and also her husband's Royal Bank of Scotland credit card, said Rodney Halligan, prosecuting.

He said that as well as the holiday, which was later cancelled, Pemberton used the cards to buy £658 worth of alloy wheels and tyres and a settee for £569.

Pemberton, 33, pleaded guilty to six deception offences and had 36 similar offences taken into consideration.

He was due for sentence but Judge Denis Clark adjourned this until May 27 so further information could be obtained including the precise amount owed and Pemberton's ability to repay.

He refused to authorise the preparation of a psychiatric report commenting that Pemberton, of Warrington Road, Leigh, had not been so disorientated that he was unable to book a holiday and purchase luxury goods.

"He has had a good run with someone else's money," said Judge Clark.

Peter Wright, defending, said that Pemberton immediately confessed when arrested. He is a warehouse operator who has been suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.