A THIEF with more than 100 convictions stole razor blades from Boots but was not back to his old tricks, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how Roy Taylor, 38, was fighting his former heroin habit and went out stealing because his benefits were suspended, and not for drugs cash.

Taylor, of Laithe Street, Burnley, admitted theft to the tune of £23.98. The bench, who said he was a prolific offender, gave him a three month curfew, between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said just after 9am a security guard, who did not see Taylor take the blades, spotted him running away. He knew him from previous dealings, was suspicious, followed him and stopped him.

The defendant told police he needed cash to buy food. He had 114 previous convictions, 52 of them for theft and related offences.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Taylor had moved to Haslingden but still had to attend appointments in Burnley.

The defendant, who was on subutex, missed one and his benefits were suspended. He was not going back to his old ways.