A MAN who was subject to a conditional discharge and community order for shoplifting offences committed in September continued to offend.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony Robert Eden was chased out of Asda on October 3 and then caught red handed as he stole aftershave from Morrisons on the same day.

A week later he stole aftershave from Morrisons and joints of meat from Marks and Spencer.

And the court was told in the same period Eden had made three attempts on his own life.

Eden, 39, of Shadsworth House, Dunoon Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of shoplifting. He was given a conditional discharge for six months.

Marnat Ali, defending, said his client had problems with drugs, alcohol and his mental health.

"He has tried to commit suicide three times and is at a very low ebb," said Mr Ali.