PARENTS of a man who stole cash and drugs from his mother shopped him to the police.

Phillip Miles Cheetham, aged 23, of Quebec Place, Deane took £16 from his mother's purse and drugs to control her diabetes and blood pressure while his parents were out.

Bolton magistrates heard how Cheetham has a turbulent relationship with his father and had been intending to commit suicide with the pills, washing them down with alcohol bought with the cash.

Julie Whiteman, defending told how Cheetham was placed into care when he was aged 10 due to his natural father's heavy drinking and abuse.

He was then fostered and eventually adopted by the Cheehams when he was aged 13.

She added at the time of the theft he was living with them at their home in Winslow Road, Hunger Hill and that day had had an argument with his dad.

When his parents went out for the evening he took the cash and pills.

Cheetham has now been reconciled with his mother who has helped him furnish his new home and has got a job with a valeting company.

Magistrates imposed a six month rehabilitation order and ordered Cheetham to pay £16 compensation and £55 costs.