A MAN who tried to sell a guitar, which was stolen from a hit singer, has been given a conditional discharge.

Nathan Michael Morrison, 24, of Derham Street, Blackburn, rang up Rimmers music shop asking how much they would pay for the distinctive guitar - which had been stolen from a gig at Live Lounge on November 9 headlined by Starsailor lead singer James Walsh.

But police had already circulated leaflets warning traders of the theft of the £1,200 Baden guitar and Rimmers staff became suspicious.

Rimmers staff lured in Morrison where he was arrested by police.

The guitar was returned to the band.

James Walsh had performed at the Northgate venue before going into a VIP room reserved for performers, where the guitar was later stolen from.

Police were called at 12.30am on November 10. The thief was later caught and given a caution for burglary.

Sgt Dave Clarke said: “We acted quickly to get a picture of the guitar and show it to all the local second hand and music shops. It was a well coordinated arrest and a fantastic joint effort between the police and the local businesses in the town centre. I am pleased we were able to identify those responsible and reunite the owner with his guitar.”

Rimmers Blackburn branch manager Leif Sargeant, 31, said: “We had been asked to keep an eye out for it and then I got a phone call. I immediately knew something fishy was going on because it is not a guitar I’ve ever been offered for sale in eight years.

“I strung him along and told him it was worth loads of money and told him to come in to the shop for a proper estimate.

“He was very relaxed and trying to pump me for every last penny, saying he’d had it for 12 months.

“When the police turned up, the look on his face was priceless.”

Morrison was given a 12-month conditional discharge and a costs order for £85 after admitting dishonestly receiving stolen goods on November 11.

Magistrates said the sentence was given because of his co-operation with police in naming the thief, a full and frank admission and no previous dishonesty convictions.