A MAN spotted carrying tools in a holdall at 5am told police he was on his way to repair a roof, a court heard.

But officers, who found hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and other items in the bag, arrested Andrew Hunter who they knew had a criminal record.

Prosecutor Joan Smith told Harrogate magistrates yesterday that Hunter, 23, had been made subject to a drug treatment and testing order the last time he appeared before the court on March 1.

She said the probation service had already begun breach proceedings against him, which were due to be heard on Friday.

Miss Smith said Hunter, of Avondale Road, Harrogate, had been spotted early on Monday morning in Knaresborough Road, near the Stanhope Drive junction.

He had told police he was waiting for his brother as they were contracted to repair the roof of a house in Cornwall Road.

But inquiries with his brother showed the pair had no such arrangement and police could find no trace of any roofing or building work underway in Cornwall Road.

Hunter pleaded guilty to going equipped to steal from cars or burgle and the hearing was adjourned to link up with Friday's proceedings.