A THIEF found with a stolen mobile telephone told police a friend had asked him to sell it, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Stephen Wright, 30, wouldn't say who the man was.

He also helped himself to whisky and said he planned to sell it because he had not eaten for three days and needed cash.

Wright, of Briercliffe Road, Burnley, admitted theft and handling stolen goods and was given a 12-month drug testing and treatment order.

He was warned by the bench the order would be severe, but if he could stick to it, he would find it extremely helpful.

Wright, who was told he had offended while subject to a conditional discharge and had failed to respond to past sentences, must also pay £70 costs.

Mark Williams, defending, said Wright knew the way forward was to get off drugs and stop committing crime.