A 42-YEAR-OLD man turned to crime to try and keep a roof over his head.

Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Shaw had been made subject to a benefits review and had been unable to pay his rent.

Gareth Price, defending, said in the past Shaw had turned to theft to fund a drug habit but had managed to overcome his addiction.

“On this occasion he needed to raise money to keep a roof over his head,” said Mr Price.

Shaw, of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a drill accessory set from B&Q.

He was given a conditional discharge for nine months and ordered to pay £45 costs.