A MAN who spent three months living in a tent in Clitheroe thought his problems were over when he found hostel accommodation in Blackburn.

But Blackburn magistrates heard that instead of improving Joseph Fox’s situation, the move left him worse off.

Gareth Price, defending, said the hostel management took control of his client’s finances and out of benefits of £112 he was left with just £12 a fortnight.

Fox, 47, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing meat worth £59 from Morrisons and spirits worth £90 from Tesco.

He was jailed for four weeks for the offences and a further four weeks for being in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed for similar offences.

Mr Price said Fox was proud of the fact he had overcome a heroin addiction through his own efforts.

“He is trying to get his life back on track but things have not been easy,” said Mr Price. He said the defendant’s father lives in Glasgow and had terminal cancer.

“He is trying to get the money together so he can get the train back to Glasgow to be with his father,” said Mr Price.

“He went to his mother’s funeral in handcuffs and he doesn’t want to repeat that with his father.”