A COLNE man solved his post-prison financial crisis by going shoplifting.

Blackburn magistrates heard Sean Joseph Cullen had an underlying drug problem but had also been stealing to survive.

Cullen, 23, of The Crescent, Colne, pleaded guilty to three charges of shoplifting. He was made subject to a curfew for eight weeks between 7pm and 7 am and ordered to pay £65 compensation and £30 victim surcharge.

John Rusius, defending, said his client had recently been released from prison and faced the usual financial difficulties.

"He has now managed to sort out accommodation, he has an appointment with Aspire to sort out a methadone prescription and he has also sorted out his benefits," said Mr Rusius. "All the problems he has had over the last few weeks have now been sorted out."