A FLAT tenant went out thieving because he could not afford to pay his bills. Burnley magistrates heard how Anthony John Archer, 18, got in financial trouble after he left home and could not manage his bills.

Archer, of Brownhill Avenue, Burnley, was put on probation for six months and ordered to pay £118 costs. He admitted three counts of theft. Archer had 11 previous convictions.

Mark Williams, defending, said after being released from custody in May 1997, Archer had behaved himself up until the last few weeks and appeared to have sorted himself out. He had got a job and was living with his parents, leading a decent, normal life.

The job finished last December and even without income, Archer had not got into trouble. Difficulties started after the defendant left home, got a flat and got into financial trouble.

Mr Williams said instead of doing the right thing and getting some advice to sort out his problems, Archer had done the wrong thing and gone out stealing. He had stole on two consecutive days.

He added Archer, who had been remanded in custody, now wanted to give up his offending lifestyle and go back home.

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