A MENTALLY ill thief who cannot look after himself asked a court for help but it could not give him what he needed.

Haslingden man Andrew Halstead, 44, who stole a jumper from Tesco because he was cold, wanted assistance from the probation service, but what it could offer was not suitable, Burnley magistrates heard.

Halstead, who had recently been in hospital, had also rung his parents threatening to smash the windows of his brother's firm but never did it.

The defendant, of Manchester Road, Haslingden, admitted theft, failing to surrender, two counts of threatening to damage property and possessing cannabis. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

District Judge Peter Ward said Halstead could not look after himself at home and the social services could take steps to help people in such situations.

He told the defendant: "I think it's important that somebody does provide you with help and assistance and the only appropriate people are those concerned with your mental health."

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Halstead did not want a conditional discharge, he wanted help from the probation service.