HOMELESS David Johnson broke into his grandfather's house to find shelter from the freezing weather.

But Blackburn magistrates heard that the following morning when he was discovered asleep in a back bedroom Johnson's family summoned the police and he was arrested.

Johnson, 19, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to damaging a window belonging to Tom Hindle. He was ordered to pay £50 compensation but the magistrates made no order for costs and also reduced his outstanding fines by £100.

Clare Fanning, prosecuting, said Mr Hindle had gone to bed on Saturday night after securing his home. The following morning he went downstairs to make some breakfast and discovered a kitchen window had been broken.

"Worried that someone might still be in the house he called for his son and daughter," said Ms Fanning.

"His son checked the house and found the defendant asleep in the back bedroom. He was told in no uncertain terms that he should not have done what he did and the police were called.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Saturday had been a freezing cold night and Johnson could not face another night on the street.

"He was desperately cold and could see no alternative," said Mr Taylor. "He did not think he could survive the night unless he found somewhere warm."

Mr Taylor said Johnson had tried to wake his grandfather before breaking the window.