Accrington man stole leg of lamb (From The Bolton News)

Accrington man stole leg of lamb

11:17am Friday 15th March 2013 in North West

A 47-YEAR-OLD man tried to escape when he was caught stealing legs of lamb from Iceland in Accrington.

Colin Gordon, of Broadfield Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to theft of meat worth £42.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 costs.

Joanne Close, prosecuting, said Gordon was approached by a member of staff as he tried to leave the store with the lamb in a carrier bag.

He tried to run away but was detained and later told police he was struggling because his benefits had been cut in half.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Gordon had been caught up in the general review of benefits and there were issues as to whether he was fit to work.

He said: “His benefits had been cut dramatically and he was struggling.”