SHOPLIFTER Thomas Fleming admitted his crime, then claimed he was not guilty and finally owned up, Bury magistrates were told.

Fleming, aged 28, went into Lidl in Prestwich and took two bottles of rum worth nearly £15. When he appeared in court Fleming, acting on legal advice, pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned but when he appeared in court again he pleaded guilty to theft.

Fleming, formerly of Norton Grange, Prestwich, but now of Crumpsall, was given a 40 hours community punishment order and told to pay £55 court costs.