JOHN Howard Whalley spent 10 hours travelling in a prison van and two nights in cells because of a shoplifting offence committed eight months ago.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Whalley, 21, of Oak Hill Close, Bristol, lived in Blackburn at the time of the offence but moved before his court date. He was arrested in Bristol.

Stephen Parker, defending, said after a night in a cell in Bristol, Whalley set off in a prison van at 7am, stopping at various courts and prisons in Bristol and the Midlands.

"It was 5pm by the time they arrived in Blackburn, too late to be put before the court, and he spent another night in custody," said Mr Parker.

Whalley pleaded guilty to stealing spirits worth £59 from Morrisons. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.