A THIEF who stole lead flashing from a couple's home as they slept needed cash to buy food, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Mark Anthony Zoth disturbed his victims when they heard footsteps on the roof in the early hours of January 4.

The couple, who run Stanley Street News in the town and live on the premises, pressed the shop's internal panic alarm and Zoth ran off.

Zoth, of Albert Street, Burnley, admitted theft of the flashing worth £100. He was sent to an attendance centre for 24 hours and must pay £100 compensation and £50 costs.

David Leach, defending, said there had been a delay in Zoth's benefits.