AN ex-convict who hid three pairs of briefs under his jacket and tried to leave a shop had been in hospital with mental health problems.
Burnley magistrates heard how John Holmes, 25, had previously been "sectioned," but although no longer in hospital, still had difficulties.
Holmes, of Holme Road, Burnley, admitted theft and was conditionally discharged for 12 months.
Mark Williams, defending, said Holmes had been sent to prison but had never completed the term in custody as he was sectioned. He spent part of the sentence and afterwards in hospital.
The defendant came out of hospital several months ago, was no longer under supervision and was living in a guest house. It was difficult to understand why the offence happened and Holmes was a borderline case for being interviewed without an appropriate adult present.
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