A REFORMED heroin addict who was drinking as a crutch stole a can of lager from a shop and drank it before staff could catch her.

Blackburn magistrates heard Kerry Marie Yates was suffering from withdrawal and “needed” the drink.

Yates, 33, of East Park Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a can of lager from the Late Shop, Shear Brow.

She was fined £80 with £32 victim surcharge and £1.25 compensation.

Ben Leach, defending, said his client was on a Subutex prescription and used alcohol to cope with the effects of coming down from the blocker.

“On this occasion she was feeling withdrawal and stole the can because she needed it,” said Mr Leach.

“She opened it and drank it straight away.”