A MAN suffering mental health difficulties was caught stealing groceries worth £83 from Morrisons.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ian Marsden had been released from hospital where he had been detained under the Mental Health Act and had collected £500 in benefits which had mounted up while he was in hospital.

Alexander Rostron, defending, said his client had lost the cash and had stolen because he needed to eat.

“This is a man who at the time had considerable difficulties and stole the food so he could eat,” said Mr Rostron.

Marsden, of St Michael’s Close, Blackburn,admitted theft. He was given an absolute discharge and no order was made for costs or compensation. Costs of £70 he owed to the court was remitted.

The chairman of the magistrates said he and his colleagues were not condoning what Marsden had done but were prepared to deal with it in an unusual way.

“We have done everything we can to help you but the rest is up to you,” said the chairman. “We hope everything works out for you.”