ONE of East Lancashire’s most prolific car criminals has told magistrates he is ‘retiring’ – because ‘life begins at 40’.

Joseph Farrelly Phillips has clocked up more than 220 convictions during years of breaking into cars in Colne, Nelson and Burnley.

Jail terms, community orders and an Anti-Social Behaviour Orders have not stopped his crime sprees.

However, just three weeks after he turned 40, the defendant insists he is changing his ways as he has a partner with three children.

Burnley magistrates heard how Phillips had always given police the runaround, but now officers are helping him to fight his ‘raging’ amphetamine habit and get a job after they went to his cell and asked what it would take for him to kick crime.

The defendant, who is on incapacity benefits, even got complimented on his ‘much smarter’ appearance by the bench.

Phillips, of Glenroy Avenue, Colne, admitted attempted theft and theft from cars and asked for 13 offences to be considered.

He was bailed until May 4, for a pre-sentence report, and was put on a 9pm to 9am curfew.

He was told all options would be open.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said police found DNA evidence from one vehicle.

Phillips stole a mobile phone from one car and when he was arrested, he owned up to having broken into both vehicles.

Nick Cassidy, representing Phillips, said he had offended to fund his ‘raging’ amphetamine addiction, which began when he was 14.

The defendant was arrested on March 26 and taken to Burnley Police Station.

The station had specially-trained officers from the Tower Project, which helps people who are determined to turn their lives around.

Mr Cassidy said the defendant co-operated with officers and said he wanted a clean slate by admitting the other offences.

He would accept he had not been the most co-operative with police in the past.

The solicitor added: “He now has a partner with three children.

"For the very first time, he is involved in a family unit and he would say he has a reason now for changing his ways.

“The police are now actively assisting him to try and get work.”