A 23-YEAR-OLD man went on a £2,000 stealing spree in a six-week period.

Blackburn magistrates heard Aleric George McKee committed 11 shop thefts, stole a £700 mobile phone and a £400 pedal cycle.

But the magistrates gave him a conditional discharge after hearing complex circumstances meant he had already served the equivalent of a 10-month sentence on remand.

McKee, of Woodside Road, Huncoat, pleaded guilty to all offences.

He was ordered to pay £2,076 compensation.

Scott Parker, defending, said his client had originally been charged with an attempted burglary which had been sent to the crown court.

He said the burglary had eventually been changed to a criminal damage and McKee given a conditional discharge.

“He has spent over five months in custody as a result, the equivalent of a ten and a half months sentence,” said Mr Parker. “I would submit he has served his sentence.”