Arrested DVD thief found with cannabis

Michael Ravenscroft, 22, of Cambridge Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to theft and possessing cannabis.

He was given an 18- month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs plus £15 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said Ravenscroft was caught after stealing £19 of DVDs from Booths on January 31.

When interviewed, Ravenscroft said he had bought £25 of cannabis the previous night and smoked some.

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said his client, who had been the victim of a serious assault and was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.