A SHOPLIFTER claimed he was offending to fund his addiction to former legal high spice.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony Bradley tried to steal a sander from B & Q but told police he thought he was stealing a drill.

Bradley, 35, of Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft from B & Q and two charges of stealing coffee from B & M Bargains. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months , fined £25 and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge and £10 compensation to B & M Bargains.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had difficulties with spice and appreciated he needed help to overcome his problems..