A man who stole rump steaks on a Saturday went gourmet for his Sunday dinner when he returned to the same store the next day and stole Aberdeen Angus rump steaks.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court was told how Anthony Herdman got away with the prime meat on both occasions but was subsequently caught on CCTV and identified by police.

Herdman, 29, of no fixed address but previously of Nelson, pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing meat from Marks and Spencer in St James' Street, Burnley.

He was ordered to pay £198 compensation.

The rump steaks at M&S are typically priced around £7.50, while the premium Aberdeen Angus cuts cost £10.

Mark Williams, offering mitigation, said his client had pleaded not guilty to an earlier offence and had been remanded in custody until his trial.

"He was eventually acquitted and when he was released he was homeless," said Mr
Williams.

"Because it was not a planned release there was no support in place and he has struggled since then.

"He is now receiving Universal Credit but he has not been able to find his own address and is still trying to get back on his feet."