Receipt plot was undone by CCTV

3:55pm Monday 3rd December 2007

A MAN used a discarded receipt at B and Q to try to get a refund.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Paul Smith went into the store and took some "gold coloured pre-lit twigs" to customer services along with the receipt which he had found in the car park.

He was given a refund of £24.98 but security staff watching CCTV noticed he had entered the shop empty-handed.

Smith, of St Peter Street, Blackburn, admitted theft and was bailed for reports.

Daniel King, defending, said in the past Smith had offended to fund a drug habit but was currently receiving prescribed medication.

This was a "spur of the moment" offence.