A DARWEN teenager who saw a charity box in a local shop returned the next day and stole it.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Carl John Wane cut the string with which the Lancashire Ambulance service charity box was secured while shopkeeper Alan Dixon was serving another customer.

When police later arrested him he started crying and said; "I'm sorry. I'm not going to get done am I?"

Wane, 18, of Hazel Avenue, pleaded guilty to theft. The magistrates ordered the preparation of pre-sentence reports and Wane was remanded on bail until August 5. Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said Wane was talking to Mr Dixon who was suspicious and thought he was up to no good.

"While Mr Dixon was serving another customer Wane left and so did the charity box," said Mrs Chappell.

She said that after his arrest Wane showed police the bin where he had thrown the box and took them to his home and produced a bag containing about £10 in change.

Jonathon Taylor, defending, said Wane had moved to Darwen to get away from his circle of acquaintances in the Preston area and in an attempt to beat his heroin addiction.

"He has started the struggle and is receiving assistance," said Mr Taylor.