A 'desperate' alcoholic who went out shoplifting had had a bad year, Burnley magistrates heard.

Lesley Anne Edwards, 30, stole beer, wine and a packet of crisps, worth £14.75, from Holmfield Garage, Rawtenstall, on April 30.

She struck at Boots, in St James Square, Bacup, on June 17, and helped herself to make-up worth about £50.

Her solicitor, Janet Sime, said Edwards, who is now pregnant, had had no money and no home. Her mother would lose her tenancy if Edwards went near her home so the defendant ended up in a house of drug users.

Miss Sime said Edwards was now working well with various agencies who were helping her. The solicitor added:" She has just found out she is expecting another baby. She needs to get control of things. She looks well. She is usually intoxicated, but she's fine."

Edwards, of Birch Street, Bacup, admitted two counts of theft. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.