A man put a bottle of vodka down his trousers and then tried to walk out of a store with another in his hand.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how when he was challenged by security, Stephen Meakin handed over one bottle but left with the other still hidden down his pants.

Meakin, 39, of Hood Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to theft of a bottle of vodka from Tesco.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said his client had already spent two days in custody.

“His record does him no favours and neither does the fact he was on bail at the time of this offence,” said Mr Price.

“He now has settled accommodation and he is free from drug use but it appears alcohol may be becoming a problem.”