Man stole to feed his gambling addiction

Stephen Smith, 49, was also gambling heavily on horses, Blackpool Magistrates were told.

Smith, of Princess Court, Blackpool, admitted three charges of shoplifting board games from WH Smith.

The total value of the games was £234.98.

Smith was placed on a 12-month community order during which he must undertake a 20-day rehabilitation programe.

He must pay the store compensation for the games and he was ordered to obey an eight-week curfew.

Brett Chappell, defending said:”Mr Smith has at last been frank about his problems – his gambling and how has yet to come to terms with his mother’s death.She was murdered some 10 years ago.”