A REPEAT shoplifter was stealing to survive after being thrown out of his flat because he had a dog.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Andrew Crilly was living in a tent at the time he was committing offences.

But the court was told Crilly had turned things round in dramatic style.

Crilly, 33, of Washington Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to theft of property worth £51 from Poundstretcher, breach of a community order imposed for four offences of shoplifting and breach of a conditional discharge imposed for shoplifting. All existing orders were revoked and he was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours unpaid work.

Gareth Price, defending, said after being evicted Crilly had spent some time sofa surfing and when that hospitality ran out ended up living in a tent.

"I am pleased to say things are getting better for him," said Mr Price. "He has got his own tenancy and he has signed up for college. There have been no further offences since July which again shows that things are improving."