A 40-year-old alcoholic and drug-addicted man pleaded guilty to a theft offence after finding God while going through rehab.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Douglas Greaves’ last five sentences had involved custody as he stole repeatedly in order to feed his habits.

But Jonathan Taylor, defending, claimed his client was now a reformed character who was determined to make something of his life.

Greaves, of Charles Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to stealing an iPhone from the Hollins Grove Medical Centre in Darwen.

He was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £325 compensation.

Mr Taylor said that since entering a not guilty plea Greaves had gone into rehab in Loughborough.

When he turned up he was the wreck that was David Greaves,” said Mr Taylor.

“He didn’t think he was strong enough to go through detox but to his credit that is exactly what he did.”