A brief lapse into drug taking led to a return to shoplifting after an eight-year gap.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Darren Wrighton had since re-engaged with Inspire, the drink and drug agency, and was once again drug free.

Wrighton, 42, of Calico Gateway, Mitre Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to stealing steaks worth £37.76 from Lidl. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said Wrighton was seen concealing four steaks under his jacket and leaving without making any effort to pay on August 17 at the Lidl store in Colne Road.

He was detained and arrested at the scene.

She said Wrighton had 51 convictions for 90 previous offences.

Mark Williams, in mitigation,  said his client assured him the offence had been a "one-off."

"That might be surprising with a background of 90 previous offences but the last of those was in 2015," said Mr Williams.

"He had been drug free for some time but had a relapse. He admits stealing to buy some drugs."

Mr Williams said since the offence in August, Wrighton had been working with Inspire and was now back on a methadone prescription.