A THIEF who stole items from a skip to sell for food and gas was given a six-month community rehabilitation order.
Burnley Magistrates heard how Brian Ingham, 45, was said not to be a risk to others and a community order would keep him out of trouble.
Ingham, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, admitted theft on March 20. He must also pay £75 costs. The bench told him he was a persistent offender, but the haul was recovered and was of low value.
Richard Taylor, defending, said Ingham had suffered a nervous breakdown and was on sickness benefit.
He thought he would get about £8 for the stolen property and told police he was going to buy some food and gas for his house.
The defendant was described as a withdrawn personality, had difficulty communicating and behaved himself when he was given a three-year non custodial sentence in the late 1980s.
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