A THIEF who helped himself to bottles of aftershave planned to sell them to get his mother electricity and gas cards.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Robert Norris, 20, who also stole a charity box from a shop, had come to Lancashire to try to find his mother after she had earlier left home and they had become very close.

Norris, of Park Drive, Nelson, admitted two counts of theft and one of attempted deception and was given a six months community rehabilitation order.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said that the defendant also went into the Yorkshire Bank with a bank book, signed a withdrawal slip and tried to take out £150.

The cashier became suspicious, the money was not handed over and while staff discussed what to do, Norris left the bank.

Alfred Rebello, defending, said Norris had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He had had a difficult upbringing and had been put in care.

After he was subjected to physical abuse he had come to Lancashire from Scotland to try and find his mother.

Norris had schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, asthma, was illiterate and had mental health problems.

Mr Rebello said last November, the defendant had served his first custodial sentence. He had had some difficulties but came out clear of drugs and had tried to help his mother pay for her electricity and gas as a favour. He added that the defendant was nearly 21 and knew if he went to custody, he would soon be going to an adult prison for the first time. That was not something he relished and he accepted if the court gave him a chance it would be his last.