A MAN stealing to eat was caught twice on the same day.

Blackburn magistrates heard all the property was recovered on the first occasion and everything but a pork pie on the next because Dane Oliver had eaten the tasty savoury snack before the security guard caught up with him.

Oliver, 23, of Manchester Road, Droylesden, Manchester, pleaded guilty to stealing meat worth £50 from Marks and Spencer, Burnley, and meat and four pork pies worth £54 from Farmfoods.

He was given a conditional discharge for six months, fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £35 victim surcharge.

Gareth Price, defending, said at the time of the offences his client was struggling and had been stealing so he could eat.

"He is now in a much better situation and is working as a scaffolder," he said.