MANAGEMENT at a Blackburn store received a tip-off that a member of staff would be passing alcohol through her check-out without charging.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the "free offer" was to provide booze for the girl's own 21st birthday bash and the first person to try the scam was arrested.

Lisa Savage, 19, of Formby Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of wine from Heald's Day and Night Store, Pritchard Street. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £35 costs. The court heard that the check-out operator had been given a police caution.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said Savage had presented the two bottles of wine and a packed of cigarettes for payment but only the cigarettes had been scanned.

Sarah Perkins said Savage has two young children and took her duties as a parent seriously. Since the birth of the first, two years ago, she rarely went out but had made arrangements for her mother to baby-sit while she went to her friend's 21st.

"She was looking forward to the night but had very little money and it was agreed with her friend that she would leave the shop without paying for the wine," said Miss Perkins. "She fully accepts responsibility for what she did and honestly regrets it."