A 32-YEAR-OLD man who struggled to cope with the death of his girlfriend turned to alcohol to ease his pain.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony Morgan then stole to finance his drinking.

Morgan, of Market Street, Bacup, pleaded guilty to burglary at Options Hair Design and theft of £10, theft of e-cigarette products worth £302 from Lloyds Pharmacy and attempted theft of deodorant from Boots.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay £311 compensation.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had problems and need help to get his life back in order.

"He is the type of individual who will benefit from the intervention of the probation service," said Mr Taylor.