A MAN who repeatedly stole electric razors had a close shave when he was sentenced.

Martin McGranaghan was given a suspended prison sentence by District Judge James Clarke who expressed doubts about whether he would be able to comply.

"Someone who commits a spree of offences within days of being given a community order shakes my belief that you are going to comply," said District Judge Clarke.

McGranaghan, 43, of Irving Place, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing shavers worth £380 from Boots and stealing bedding worth £40 from Matalan. He was sentenced to 56 days in prison suspended for six months and ordered to complete 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was banned from entering any Boots or Matalan stores for three months.

Peter King, defending, said that within days of being given the community order his client had been evicted from his accommodation which was linked with his loss of benefits.

"He had found himself addicted to Spice and it had taken a savage hold," said Mr King. "He is spending up to £100 a week on the drug and it has taken such a hold that he isn't functioning properly."