A MAN who went into a supermarket cafe which was shut because of Covid-19 restrictions decided to go self-service.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony Bradley went behind the counter at Morrisons and stole a bottle of cola, two Kit-Kats and two cakes worth £3.90.

He then went into the shop and stole a bottle of Martini.

Bradley, 38, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to burglary at Morrisons in Blackburn and theft of the chocolate cakes and cola and theft of a bottle of Martini. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge on release.

David Morgan, prosecuting, said CCTV showed Bradley enter the cafe, which was shut because of lockdown. He went behind the counter, which was not a public area, which led to the charge of burglary.

“He took some food and drink and then checked the till which was empty,” said Mr Morgan.

Stuart Thomson, defending, said his client didn’t realise going into the cafe area was a burglary offence.

He said Bradley had been involved in a fire three months ago which resulted in severe burns and put him in hospital for two months.

“He was trying to get everything back on track,” said Mr Thomson.

“His universal credit had come through and he was on his way to secure a bedsit in the Mill Hill area when he was arrested."

Julie Dunn, for the probation service, said Bradley was subject to post-sentence supervision and had not been complying.

She said the fire incident had involved Bradley accidentally setting himself on fire at the back of Marks and Spencer.

“A lighter gas canister blew up in his face when he was attempting to light his crack pipe,” said Mrs Dunn.