The death of his long-standing girlfriend caused Alan Watson to turn to drink, magistrates were told.

Watson, of Leylands House, Parkwood Rise, Keighley, pleaded guilty at court, in Bingley, last Thursday, to three offences of theft — stealing beer and £34 of meat from Morrisons, in Keighley, and taking beer from the Co-op, in Bradford Road, Riddlesden. The offences took place on three dates — July 1, August 21 and August 26 this year.

The 40-year-old was said to have turned to drink at the loss of his girlfriend who died of an overdose of medication for depression.

The bench remanded him on bail for a pre-sentence report to be compiled and he must return to court on September 29.