JAMES Allsop stole a bottle of whisky from Asda to finance a trip to Chorley to see his probation officer.

Allsop, 22, of Conway Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and Blackburn magistrates remanded him in custody until April 13 for pre-sentence reports.

The court heard Allsop had been put on probation just two weeks earlier for offences of theft and handling stolen goods.

He had not kept any of his appointments with the probation service.

Daniel King, defending, said Allsop had developed a drug problem and had slipped to the depths.

"He is improving and he says he is beginning to make progress," said Mr King.

"On the day of the offence he had been to Blackburn probation office but they could not help him."

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