A MAN caught interfering with parked cars was chased by one of his victims who shouted at him: "Why?"

Blackburn magistrates heard James McGrady responded by saying it was because he was homeless.

McGrady, 36, of The Salvation Army Hostel, Heaton Street, pleaded guilty to four charges of vehicle interference, the first of them on Christmas Day, and four charges of theft from motor vehicles. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Paul Sumner, prosecuting, said all the offences were committed between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and many of them were caught on CCTV some of it motion activated.

Footage showed McGrady trying car door handles and, if they were open, entering the vehicle and stealing whatever was there. His haul included cash, power tools and clothing.

Mr Sumner said some of the footage was posted on Facebook and McGrady was identified from that.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said at the time of the offences his client had been given some tablets to help him sleep while he was living rough.

"He was cold, he was homeless and to make sure he could sleep he was taking these tablets," said Mr Taylor.

"When he watched the CCTV at the police station it was like he was watching someone else because he had no recollection at all."

Mr Taylor said in recent days things had looked up for his client.

"He now has a stable address, he is on a methadone prescription through Inspire and his benefits are back in place," said Mr Taylor.