A MAN who walked into Boots and stole £247 worth of face cream said he couldn't remember the offence because he had taken spice.

Blackburn magistrates heard Steven John Graveling accepted that over the years he had taken various drugs but never spice.

Graveling, 48, of Sandhurst Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of seven jars of No. 7 face cream. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £247 compensation.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said a security officer viewing CCTV saw Graveling walk into the shop just after 11 pm, put the face creams in his pocket and walk out straight away.

When he was arrested he told police he couldn't remember the offence because he was under the influence of spice.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for three years.

"He is honest enough to admit that he has been a drug user for many years and has taken all kinds of drugs," said Mr Williams.

"This is the first time he had used spice and as he told the police he had no recollection of the incident."