A ONE-TIME successful businessman turned to drink after his family was virtually wiped out in a car crash three years ago, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Francis Anthony Taylor suffered a breakdown after his wife and his young child were killed in the crash.

Taylor, who had previously been owner of two pubs and a guest house, turned to drink to drown his sorrows and eventually lost everything, the court was told.

Taylor, 34, of Cherry Lodge, Islington, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing four teddy bears worth £35 from Birthdays. He was remanded on bail until January 25 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Taylor's offending behaviour had only started after the tragedy which struck his family.

"He found it difficult to cope and after a spell in hospital turned to drink," said Mr Church-Taylor.

"He very quickly lost everything and it is fair to say that all his offending has been to finance his addiction to alcohol and, at one time, drugs.

"He intended to sell the bears to raise some money so he could go to Liverpool to be with his sister who is all he has left."