A 53-YEAR-OLD man who offended within weeks of being made subject to a suspended prison sentence was given a final chance by Blackburn magistrates.

The court heard Christopher Costello had been found accommodation at the Salvation Army by the police, had stopped drinking and was making massive efforts to change his life.

Costello, of Heaton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Aldi. He was fined £130 with £30 victim surcharge.

Imposing the sentence the chairman of the magistrates said they had taken note of the positive things said on Costello’s behalf by the probation service, the mental health team and his solicitor, Nick Dearing.

“We feel this is an opportunity for you to take advantage of all the help that is being offered,” said the chairman.

Mr Dearing said that following his release from prison in October Costello had been homeless. He was sleeping in the toilets at Royal Blackburn Hospital and then catching the shuttle bus back to Burnley.

“The police found him accommodation at the Salvation Army and that has been a step forward for him,” said Mr Dearing. “He decided to stop drinking and seek help and he would ask for a last chance.”