A MAN turned to shoplifting when he struggled to cope on his release from prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Patrick Francis Harris lost his hostel accommodation because his benefits had not come through and was left on the streets with nothing.

"It is an increasing problem," said Jonathan Taylor, defending.

"More and more, the prisons are unable to offer any help either inside or in terms of arranging accommodation. My client didn't even get a discharge grant."

Harris, 40, of Stansfeld Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a perfume gift set worth £72 from Boots, two bottles of aftershave worth £100 from Debenhams, a £45 bottle of aftershave from Debenhams and failing to comply with post-sentence supervision.

He was made subject to a curfew for 20 days between 9 pm and 7 am and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

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Mr Taylor said the offences had been acts of desperation.

"He had no money and nowhere to go," said Mr Taylor.

"It is not surprising people find themselves unable to cope.