A SHOPLIFTER stole a tent to get away from the drug culture and peer pressure he felt in Accrington, a court heard.

Stewart Spencer Redfearn, 22, of Lee Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to theft of a tent from Aldi and a bottle of whisky from Tesco in Blackburn, obstructing a police officer by giving false details and being in breach of a community service order imposed by Hyndburn magistrates in October for offences of deception. Emma Kehoe, prosecuting at Blackburn magistrates, said Redfearn had been bailed following the Aldi offence, but had failed to attend court and was arrested after committing the Tesco offence.

"That was aggravated by him giving false details to the officer and maintaining that lie even at the police station," said Mrs Kehoe.

Bashrat Ditta, defending, said Redfearn had been determined to get away from everything. "He stole the tent because he had plans to go and live in it in Bournemouth," said Mr Ditta. "He wanted to get away from the drug culture in Accrington and the peer pressures that he felt. He has been using drugs now for three years and has been trying hard to get off them."

Stipendiary magistrate Jonathon Finestein said Redfearn had been given a chance by the court when he was given community service. "That is a serious order of the court which you chose to ignore," said Mr Finestein.

"While not doing your community service you stole a tent, you stole a bottle of whisky and then gave the police false details. You have had your chances and I am afraid to prison you must go today." He was jailed for three months.

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