A MAN was twice found in possession of stolen property within hours of it being taken.

Blackburn magistrates heard on the first occasion 300 euros were stolen from a car and less than four hours later Damon James Fielding was caught on CCTV exchanging them for sterling.

Fielding, 25, of the Salvation Army Hostel, Heaton Street, pleaded guilty to handling the euros, handling a stolen bank card and four charges of fraudulent use of the card. He was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay £260 compensation for the Euros and pay £122 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the euros were taken from a car parked outside the owner’s home.

“The theft was discovered at 5.30am and by 9am the defendant was cashing them in,” said Miss Allan.

She said the card was also taken from a car and the theft discovered at 7.30am.

“The card had already been used for a number of contactless transactions,” added Miss Allan.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had lost his way. "He has become a victim of spice. He takes it regularly and there has been a dramatic deterioration in his mental health."