DEREK Wildeman took advantage of an early morning doorstep delivery of fresh milk.

But Blackburn magistrates heard that Wildeman took three gallons from outside a shop after the milkman had delivered but before the shop opened.

Wildeman, 28, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing the milk. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £7.34 compensation.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said the milkman had returned to the dairy when he received a call from the Blackburn town centre shop to say they had not received their milk. The incident had been captured on video and Wildeman was later arrested.

Kevin Preston, defending, said Wildeman had been released from prison in July. Since then had been going from pillar to post and had found himself on the streets on a number of occasions.

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