A MAN whose life had been blighted by tragedies went out pinching flagstones the day after his mother's funeral.

Daniel Daley, 36, of Elgin Crescent, Burnley, told police he had no money, was depressed after his mother's death and was going to try and make some cash, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Daley, who was sexually abused as a child in care and had recently also suffered the end of an eight year "tempestuous," relationship, admitted theft. He was fined £50, with £50 costs.

The court was told the defendant was found in a victim's backyard hacking away at stone flags. He had a chisel and wheel brace.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Daley had an "unenviable record for dishonesty."

He had an "ingrained," attitude to authority after he was abused in care. Daley thought he could do what he liked as his abusers were in charge of him and would not have wanted him to blow the whistle on them.

One of his attackers was now serving a long jail term and the defendant had given evdience against him.

Miss Adamson said Daley carried permanent psychological scars, had had problems with drink and drugs and general lifestyle issues.

He was currently taking out civil proceedings over the abuse and stood to gain substantial compensation.

Part of that package was that he received residential pyschiatric treatment.

Miss Adamson said the defendant had suffered "tragedy after tragedy," and it was almost unbearable for him.

The day before the offence, he had been to his mother's funeral and recently he and his girlfriend had broken up.

That was a tempestuous relationship, but Daley had still been very devoted to his partner and had gone though an emotional crisis on top of everything else.