A MAN who took part in a "team" shoplifting offence was so drunk he couldn't remember it.

Blackburn magistrates heard four men took part in the theft from Home Bargains, one of the holding the door open while other picked up items and then left.

Craig Anthony Wilks, 49, of Union House, St Peter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft from Home Bargains. He was fined £110 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £11 compensation.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had a history of problems with alcohol which he had been trying hard to combat.

Around the time of the offence he was approached by the police who told him is mother had had a fall at home.

"She subsequently died and that was the trigger for him to start drinking again," said Mr Prew.

"As a result he has no recollection of this incident."