A THIEF helped himself to £25 from an off-licence till and then ran off, Burnley Magistrates were told.

The court heard how drug addict Scott Parker, 30, later told police he had had a crazy notion about grabbing the cash. He said he had struck in a moment of madness and had had no intention of harming anybody.

Parker, of Midgley Street, Colne, admitted theft and was fined £50, with £50 costs. He had been in breach of a conditional discharge.

Hilary Reece, prosecuting, told the court the defendant went into the Can and Bottle shop and asked for a tray of lager. The assistant went into the back room, and returned to see the defendant leaning over the counter.

The assistant heard coins being removed from the till, shouted, and Parker looked up and ran off.