A 20-YEAR-old man who had been left with sole responsibility for his young daughter, stole to raise money to buy nappies and baby milk.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Stephen Anthony McLeish had been forced to move into hostel accommodation in Darwen after the mother of his child left and said she did not want to take the child with her.

And when his fresh claim for benefit for himself and his daughter was delayed, McLeish became desperate for money to spend on the child.

McLeish, of Police Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to stealing a CD from the HMV shop. He was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and the magistrates made no order for costs.

Daniel King, defending, said it was an offence committed in desperation and determination on McLeish's part to care for his child properly.

"His father is a chronic alcoholic who never sent Stephen to school," said Mr King. "Stephen does not abuse drink or drugs and he is adamant that he will not make the same mistakes with his child that were made with him. He is learning to read and write so as to improve his prospects of obtaining employment and he is also trying to obtain alternative accommodation."