MICHAEL McCann, 26, of Whalley Banks, Blackburn, was fined £100 by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to shoplifting, possession of cannabis, being drunk and disorderly and three offences of breaching conditions of bail.

The court heard that the case had been adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports but McCann had failed to keep appointments with the probation service and then failed to appear in court.

Kevin Preston, defending, said McCann had turned to drink because of a number of personal problems and accepted that he had failed to take the opportunity offered to him by the court.

"He could have no complaint if he was sent to prison today," said Mr Preston. "He has buried his head, probably in a bottle of whisky, and has failed to grab the hand that was offered to him."