A 36-YEAR-OLD thief who targeted charity boxes in shops has been jailed.

Blackburn magistrates heard Bhavesh Parekh had failed to co-operate with requirements of a community order and had continued to offend.

Parekh, of Devon Place, Church, pleaded guilty to stealing a Tickled Pink charity box from Asda in Colne, a mosque charity box from Ashraf Stores, Nelson, and a water famine charity box from the water famine relief in Colne.

He was jailed for 12 weeks and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge. The existing community order was revoked.

Ben Leach, defending, said his client was in the grip of a heroin addiction and the offences were committed to fund that habit.

"He wants to rid himself of drugs and until he does there will continue to be problems," said Mr Leach.