Detox man stole to pay for his bus fare back home

Jonathan Roberts, 29, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £30 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates. The bench decided he could stay in the court precinct until lunchtime instead of paying the fine.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said Roberts was apprehended outside My Local shop, Church Street, after walking out without paying for £35 of goods on May 21.

Steven Townley, defending, said Roberts came to the resort to get away from Bristol because he had been using drugs. He spent two weeks detoxing. He then wanted to get a coach back to Bristol and stole to raise funds to pay for the fare.