A MAN spent two nights in custody after stealing a £1.69 fishcake.

Blackburn magistrates heard that John Crabtree was too drunk to be interviewed until the following day.

Crabtree, 39, of Bridge Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft from the Marks and Spencer store.

He was fined £75, which was deemed paid due to the time he had spent in custody, and ordered to pay £45 costs and £1.69 compensation.

Nick Dearing, defending, said the people involved in Crabtree’s detention and arrest said he had been aggressive.

“I don’t think anyone could have felt very intimidated because he could hardly stand up,” said Mr Dearing.

“He had a long-standing heroin addiction which he has now swapped for alcohol and he is waiting for a place at a rehabilitation centre.”