A MAN attracted police attention when he was spotted walking down the road carrying three children's jackets and eight children's dresses.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Smith immediately admitted stealing the items to sell to fund his heroin addiction.

Smith, 41, of Prairie Crescent, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of the clothing worth £186 from Next on Townsmoor Retail Park, Blackburn.

He was made subject to a community order for six months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge. He was excluded from the retail park for six months.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client admitted the items were stolen even before the police knew where they had come from.