A HOMELESS man stole steaks from Marks and Spencer because he was hungry.

Blackburn magistrates heard Alan John Harrison hadn't eaten for " a considerable period of time" before committing the offence.

Harrison, 45, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing two packets of sirloin steak . He was fined £50 which was set against the day he had spent in custody.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said a member of staff at the Blackburn town centre store saw Harrison put the meat in his pocket and notified the police via the town centre radio link. He was found in an alley behind the store with the steaks in his possession.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said the simple reason his client committed the offence was hunger.

"He had no intention of selling these items," said Mr Afzal. "He had no money and had not eaten for a significant period of time when he decided to steal these items."

Mr Afzal said his client was in daily contact with Outreach who were working with him to try and get him some accommodation.