A MAN caught wearing scaffolding gloves and carrying a ladder in the early hours of the morning told police he was “just going for a walk”.

At Bolton Magistrates’ Court Karl Davies admitted going equipped to steal after initially denying the crime.

Victoria Norman, prosecuting, told the court how, at 2.45am on March 8, police heard an alarm going off in the Deane area and saw two men, Davies and his brother, walking with a ladder which they claimed to have just found.

A search of Davies also revealed wire snips and a head torch.

At the time 44-year-old Davies, of Hinkler Avenue, Great Lever, was subject to a suspended prison sentence and the court heard he has an extensive criminal record, mainly for theft.

Adam Whittaker, defending, said that Davies would steal from skips and bins.

“He accepts that was his plan this evening,” he said.

Mr Whittaker stressed that Davies’ previous convictions were not for violence.

He added that, since his arrest, Davies has lost his home and all his possessions after his Derby Street flat was set on fire.

“It is probably the best thing that could have happened in a strange sort of way,” said Mr Whittaker.

Davies is now living with his mother and, as a result is engaging well with the drugs team.

Magistrates sentenced him to a six month community order with six days of rehabilitation activities and three months of drug rehabilitation.

His previous 12 month suspended prison sentence has been extended to 18 months and he must pay £150 towards prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.