PATRICK Joseph Smith, 42, of Lawrence Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of whisky from Tesco when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates.

After hearing that Smith was a repetitive offender, district judge Paul Firth ordered the preparation of pre-sentence reports and remanded him on bail until September 5.

Elliot Taylforth, defending, said Smith had taken drink to try and help him get off heroin and that had been the sole purpose for the theft.