A drug addict snatched £100 out of the hand of a cash machine user outside the Tesco in Accrington amid a crime spree across Hyndburn.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Gary Ward committed a string of other offences as he struggled with a “serious” heroin addiction.

Ward, 36, of Frederick Street, Accrington, admitted to theft, burglary at Oswaldtwistle Mills with intent to steal, theft of coins from Abbey Street Collectors Centre and theft of sweets worth £30 from Heron Foods.

Suzanne Ludlow, prosecuting, said Ward went into Abbey Street Collectables in Accrington and asked to look at a tray of coins.

She added: “He picked up the tray and announced he was taking it before leaving the shop.

"He was identified later from CCTV footage.”

Later at Oswaldtwistle Mills in Colliers Street, CCTV showed Ward enter the café area before it had opened one morning. Ward tried to get into a till but left.

Footage outside Tesco in Accrington showed Ward loitering nearby while an ATM customer was withdrawing cash.

When the cash, £100 in notes, was dispensed, Ward and grabbed it and fled.

Damien Pickup, by way of mitigation, said: "He is in the middle of a very serious heroin addiction and wishes to apologise to the people who have been affected by his actions."

Ward was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on April 15.