A HOMELESS man claimed he broke into a Methodist church to get his head down and not to steal.

Blackburn magistrates heard that a few days later Liam Robert Tomlinson broke into a cafe and this time stole cash from the till and charity tubs together worth £380.

Tomlinson, 35, of Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a door belonging to the Central Methodist Church, Burnley, and burglary at Spoilt4choice cafe, Blackburn, and theft of £380 cash. He was made subject to a community order for nine months with 15 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the church and £480 to the cafe.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said it was the second break-in at the church in the last six months. She said CCTV showed Tomlinson entering the church after causing damage to the door lock.

"There is no suggestion he stole or attempted to steal anything," said Miss Kenyon.

She said a window had been smashed to gain entry to the cafe and Tomlinson was traced from blood left.

David Lawson, defending, said he had to concede his client had a terrible record with 91 theft and kindred offences recorded against him.

Mr Lawson said the majority of the offences had been committed to fund a heroin addiction which Tomlinson had been battling with the help of a methadone prescription.

"Unfortunately, due to a break down in communication, he hasn't had a prescription since July 14 and withdrawal from heroin is often more severe that withdrawal from illegal drugs," said Mr Lawson.

"He is still determined to address his problems."