A HOMELESS man stole trainers and socks because a hole in his shoe was letting in water.

Blackburn magistrates heard that following his arrest Neil Elliott, 34, had been given a pair of shoes to wear by the police because of the poor condition of his own footwear.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Elliott, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft of trainers and socks worth £18 from Matalan.

He was fined £20 and made subject to a community order for six months with a drug rehabilitation requirement and 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Elliott had become a nuisance in the town centre and had previously been subject to an antisocial behaviour order.

“He is a persistent and aggressive beggar and drunk and the police are seeking a criminal behaviour order due to be heard at the end of the month,” she said. “Until then he is banned from the town centre.”

Angela Rossi, defending, said Eliott had longstanding problems with drugs and alcohol.

“His situation is not helped because he is homeless and his benefits have been stopped,” said Miss Rossi.

“He stole the footwear because his feet were wet. There is no suggestion he stole to sell on.”