A MAN caught shoplifting told police he was a hopeless alcoholic.

And Blackburn magistrates heard Antony Cross had been told not to stop drinking prior to going into rehab because it might kill him.

Cross, 45, of The Islington, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing cider worth £5.50 from Morrisons. He was fined £130 with £30 victim surcharge.

Mark Williams, defending, said Cross was making efforts to beat his addiction and had enlisted the help of various agencies.

"He has secured a place at a rehabilitation unit in North Wales which he will take up in two weeks," said Mr Williams.

"He has been told not to stop drinking because it could be extremely dangerous."