A BEER thief's life was ruled by drink and he told police he was glad to see them, as he needed help.

Burnley magistrates heard how Daniel Porter, 23, had had a drink problem since he was about 12 and drank between five and six litres of cider a day.

Porter, of Hollingreave Road, Burnley, admitted theft and was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

The court was told the defendant helped himself to a box of beer from his local shop and ran out of the store.

Paul Wood, defending, said the offence was unsophisticated and Porter would not have done it but for his alcohol addiction.