A BLACKBURN teenager stole furniture and equipment from his housing association flat to buy food and feed his gambling habit.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Kevin John Morris had sold the items to a second hand shop for £100 and after spending £40 on food blew the rest on slot machines.

But the court was told the Abdullam Housing Association had forgiven Morris and allowed him to keep his flat in Barley Close, Blackburn.

Morris, 19, pleaded guilty to theft of property worth £545 and was put on probation for 18 months. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation.

Daniel King, defending, said Morris would welcome further help from the probation service.