A MAN who needed to pay off a drug debt and fund a heroin habit stole two bouncy castles.

Blackburn magistrates heard Edward John Ward, 47, admitted to police his behaviour had been “pathetic” for a man of his age.

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Ward, of no fixed address, admitted shoplifting. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs, £15 victim surcharge and £150 criminal court charge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Ward had walked out of the Grimshaw Park Asda store pushing a trolley containing the bouncy castles. He was detained near the ice arena still pushing the trolley.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said: “When this happened he realised he had to get a grip and is now back on a methadone prescription and in contact with the mental health team.

“His comment to the police summed it up perfectly.”