A YOUNG dad went out stealing as it was his son's birthday and he had no cash for a gift, a court was told.

Kraig Mellor, 25, helped himself to two bottles of expensive whisky so he could sell them.

Mellor, who also pinched £15 from a stall, had 44 previous convictions, 14 of them for theft or related offences, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant, of Bradley Hall Road, Nelson, was convicted of two theft charges and failing to surrender.

He was given 100 hours community service and must pay £50 costs.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Mellor, who had considerable limitations, was attending the community drugs team.