A THIRSTY thief stole two boxes of lager from a Spar store and then returned shortly after and stole two more.

Blackburn magistrates heard that John Creasey went back the following day and stole another two boxes.

And they were told that since the offences were committed Creasey had gone into a residential alcohol rehabilitation centre in Manchester where he had been completely "dry."

Creasey, 27, of Rothesay Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of shoplifting.

He was made subject to community supervision for 18 months and ordered to pay £34 compensation and £60 costs.