TWO members of staff were assaulted as they tried to stop two drunks stealing cider from their shop.

Blackburn magistrates heard that while one of the thieves was struggling with a store detective, the other ran back to retrieve one of the bottles of cider he had dropped.

And he shouted to his accomplice, ‘just punch him’, before running off again.

Dean Anthony Devaney, 29, of Melita Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting Amir Mukhtar and Gary Parker He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to community supervision for 12 months with an alcohol activity requirement and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of his victims.

Michael Anthony Holden, 29, of Preston Road, Longridge, pleaded guilty to stealing four litres of cider.

He was fined £140 with £105 costs and ordered to pay £4.50 costs.

John Wood, prosecuting, said both men were clearly drunk when they entered the store. They left without paying for the cider and Mr Mukhtar followed and took hold of Holden.

“He struggled and dropped one of the bottles before breaking free and running off,” said Mr Wood.

“Devaney then grabbed hold of the security man and swung a punch at him. When the second member of staff came out to assist he was punched in the chest before both men ran off.”

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said both men had been drinking all day and were heavily under the influence.

He said Devaney had acted out of a misguided sense of loyalty to his friend when store staff got hold of him.

“He doesn’t remember punching anyone but accepts the security officer’s recollection is likely to be better than his,” said Mr Taylor.