A SHOPLIFTER winning his battle with drugs was given a further helping hand by Burnley Magistrates.

The court had been told how Lee John Taylor, 33, had now kicked heroin, was on methadone and had been in contact with the community drugs team.

Taylor, of Holbeck Street, Burnley, admitted two counts of theft on February 19 and July 6 and failing to surrender to custody.

He was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order to include the Think First programme by the bench who told him he was going in the right direction and should keep it up.

The justices added the defendant's circumstances had changed for the better - and he was to be commended for that.

The court was told Taylor helped himself to cheese, bacon and whisky. Mark Williams, defending, said drink had had quite serious effects on Taylor.