A would-be thief whose crime was recorded by a CCTV camera was identified after the victim posted the footage on social media, a court heard.

When Patrick Burns, 44, appeared before magistrates in Carlisle today he pleaded guilty to two offences: causing criminal damage to a Vauxhall Corsa and interfering with a Jaguar car with the intention of committing a theft.

Prosecutor Pam Ward described how the owner of A-Z Vehicle Dismantlers in Carlisle checked his CCTV on September 11 and saw a man trying to force the doors of two vehicles.

"He put the image on social media and obtained the defendant's name as a result," said Mrs Ward.

Burns, of Marks Avenue, Raffles, Carlisle but formerly of Hunter Street, Workington, made full admissions when confronted by the police.

John Cooper, defending, said the defendant had been drinking on the day of the crimes.

"He has very little recollection of why he did it," said Mr Cooper.

The lawyer added that while Burns had significant previous convictions for theft but had not been in trouble for some time.

He was also now working at a Carlisle factory.

Magistrates imposed 200 hours unpaid work, £85 costs and £150 compensation to the victim. There was also an £85 victim surcharge.