A HOMELESS man helped himself to booze from various stores in Blackburn running up a 'bar bill' of nearly £200.

Blackburn magistrates since the commission of the last offence Kyle Waddicor had moved out of Blackburn to get away from 'negative influences' and had not been in trouble since.

Waddicor, 33, now living in Rochdale, pleaded guilty to nine charges of shoplifting. He was made subject to a curfew order for six weeks between 7pm and 7am and ordered to pay £193 compensation.

Malcolm Isherwood, prosecuting, said on every occasion Waddicor had walked into the shops involved and stolen boxes or crates of beer or bottles of wine and walked out without paying.

He said compensation of £104 was due to Bargain Booze on Livesey ranch Road, £30 to Spar on New Chapel Street, £18 to Best One on Rothesay Road, and £42 to One Stop Shop, Lee Lane.

Gareth Price, defending, said the offences had been committed at the beginning of the year and his client had used the delay caused by Covid-19 in a very positive way.

“At the time of the offences he was homeless and had been for two years,” said Mr Price.

“He was sleeping in cars, tents or sofa surfing when he could,” said Mr Price.

“He was abusing alcohol and cocaine and was associating with a very negative peer group.”

Mr Price said his client had made the conscious decision to move away from Blackburn and make a fresh start.

“He identified his problems and took steps to address them himself,” said Mr Price.

“He has been clear of drugs for almost four months, has his own tenancy and significantly more stability in his life that he did a few months ago.”