HUSBAND and wife Philip and Donna Matthews were marched across town in handcuffs after being caught stealing in T J Hughes.

And Blackburn magistrates heard how they had been embarrassed and humiliated by the experience.

The couple, of Rosewood Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of men's jogging trousers.

They were given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £60 costs each.

David Griffith, defending, said Donna, 32, and Philip, 23, had been genuine in their search for a pair of trousers for Philip which they intended to buy when they received their benefits.

But while trying them on they decided to steal a pair. They were detained with Philip wearing the pants under his clothes.

"What followed may persuade you that they will never commit this offence again," said Mr Griffith."

"They were walked in handcuffs through town centre crowds to the police station.

"That is likely to stop them re-offending."

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