A BURGLAR who threw a brick through a shop window had been regularly using cannabis from the age of nine, a court heard.

Jordan Walters appeared at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to burgling the K and K Grocers on August 28 last year.

Jonathan Turner, prosecuting, told the court that at midday 21-year-old Walters was seen hanging around the Crompton Way convenience store for two hours before hurling a brick through the window, which hit shopkeeper Aroon Aslam.

As Walters shouted 'come here' he picked up an advertising board and used it to smash the shop door.

When the shopkeeper went to the door, Walters ran back to the smashed window, reached inside and grabbed a cash tin which contained the shop's £150 float.

But when police were called they recognised his description and he was named by a witness.

Mr Turner said: "He spent two hours at the scene which indicated a degree of planning."

The court was told that Walters, who has a criminal record for burglary and robbery, had caused damage estimated at £600 to the shop.

Kevin Liston, defending, said Walters, of Ribblesdale Road, Daubhill, had had a troubled upbringing with both parents serving time in prison and Walters starting taking drugs aged nine.

"He has used drugs from a ridiculously young age," said Mr Liston.

However, he added that since May, Walters has responded positively to court orders aimed at addressing his behaviour.

Walters is due to be sentenced on August 28.