A MENTALLY ill man who admitted burglary and theft has been made the subject of a hospital order by a judge.

Paul Monks faced charges of burglary, going equipped for theft and a Bail Act offence.

In addition he asked for three other offences to be taken into consideration. Monks, aged 25, of Siddow Common, Leigh, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence.

Judge Martin Steiger made him the subject of a Section 37 Order without restriction under the Mental Health Act.

Bolton Crown Court heard that Monks had been seen entering a works canteen area by a member of staff.

He stole a bottle of whisky, a mobile phone and credit cards from employees but was later arrested when he admitted the charge.

He pretended to ask for a job at a roofing company but when he was refused he was seen to enter further inside the premises.

The police were called and Monks was found hiding in a women's toilet.

He was found to be carrying a scanner which was tuned to police frequencies.