A 24-YEAR-old man put himself firmly in the frame after using his father's credit card to join a gym which required a photo-membership card, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Intizar Hussain Shah also used the card to make two £300 cash withdrawals while his dad was on holiday in Pakistan.

But a charge of obtaining the services of the Elite Escort Agency by deception was discharged after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Shah, of Wimberley Banks, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to obtaining membership of the Classic World of Fitness by deception, and two of theft of cash from Barclaycard. He was remanded on bail until June 16 so it could be established who was due compensation for the offences.

John Wilson, prosecuting, said Shah had initially denied any involvement in the offences, which took place after the Barclaycard and pin number had been posted to the home of Mr Shah senior while he was out of the country.

"He was unable to explain how it was his photograph appeared on the gym membership card," said Mr Wilson.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said his client's father had forgiven him and had agreed with Barclaycard to take on the debt incurred.

"He was not best pleased when these offences came to light," said Mr Ditta. "His position was that if his son had asked, he would have given him the money."

He said Shah works as a taxi driver and had used the money to pay for essential repairs to his vehicle.

"Clearly there is an element of betrayal and breach of trust but, as far as his father is concerned, the matter is over," added Mr Ditta.