TWO brothers have admitted stealing a television from the Red Cross — but deny causing £10,000 worth of damage to take it.

Dean and Martin McEvilly yesterday pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court to burglary.

But they claim that Martin, aged 39, and another man, only stole the 42”

television after the property had been broken into by others.

Dean McEvilly, aged 38, knew that his brother was going to be involved in the burglary and had agreed to sort out the proceeds.

The court heard that the Red Cross was burgled on the weekend of November 13 last year.

Dean and Martin McEvilly were spotted near the premises at 10am on November 14, by police. They were spoken to and Dean McEvilly threw away a Renault key which had been stolen from the Red Cross. Martin McEvilly also had keys that were taken in the burglary.

The court was told that officers visited their address in Southfield Street, Burnden, and found the television that had been stolen in the burglary. A mobile phone was also seized.

The court was told the brothers could provide first names and addresses for people involved in the first burglary, who caused the damage.

Judge William Morris said: “It would alter the sentence if I was sure they did the damage.”

The case has been adjourned until April 8.