A SERIAL thief not long out of jail pinched a Winnie the Pooh cuddly toy to try and raise some cash.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Paul McNamara's girlfriend was pregnant and the pair had no money.

McNamara was told by the bench his criminal record was "quite abysmal" but they were prepared to give him one last chance.

The defendant, of Reed Street, Burnley, admitted theft from Woolworths and was given a 12 months conditional discharge with £65 costs.

The court was told that McNamara told police he planned to sell the toy for £10 to buy some food.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant had committed five offences of shoplifting this year.

He was given a community rehabilitation order in January, was later sent to prison and in August was jailed again, for 10 weeks.

Richard Taylor, defending, said the toy was undamaged and McNamara immediately admitted what he had done. The offence did not warrant custody.