A SHOPLIFTER who stole to fund his drug habit continued to offend despite being on a suspended prison sentence.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Bradbury claimed a debt to a drug dealer was behind his repeat offending.

Bradbury, 37, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, admitted to five thefts, four of which were committed after the suspended sentence was imposed.

Eight weeks of the suspended sentence were activated and another four weeks imposed for the latest offences.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client was honest enough to accept he was having difficulties with crack cocaine and heroin.

“He is fully aware of the impact its having on his mental and physical health,” said Mr Taylor. “It appears he has got himself in some debt with a drug dealer. He understands he may have come to the end of the line.”