A shoplifter "shopped" himself after police posted CCTV footage on social media appealing for information.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Thomas Riley phoned the police and admitted it was him who had been filmed stealing from Sainsbury's in Colne on June 24.

Riley, 41, of Crabtree Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to theft of razor blades worth £250.

He was ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Julia Draper, prosecuting, said a security guard saw Riley stealing the items and challenged him, but he ran off and escaped.

"CCTV of the incident was given to the police and they put in on social media with an appeal for information," said Miss Draper.

"The defendant contacted the police himself and admitted it was him."

John Rusius, mitigating, said his client had sorted himself out in 2014 and had not been in trouble since.

"Shortly before this incident he spent some time in hospital and when he came out was struggling financially," said Mr Rusius.

"He contacted the police and identified himself."

District Judge Alexandra Preston said she had taken into account that Riley had been out of trouble for some time and was making efforts to stay out of trouble.

"I also note that you effectively handed yourself in to the police," she added.