A DRUNKEN shoplifter headbutted a shop assistant who tried to stop him stealing a bottle of wine.

Blackburn magistrates heard Aaron Ansbro had drunk cans of lager and a full bottle of whisky before going into the shop.

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Ansbro, 22, of Bower Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of wine from Spar and assaulting Martin Pratt.

He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months with a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement, an alcohol treatment requirement for nine months and ordered to pay £60 compensation to Mr Pratt.

Rachael Parker, prosecuting, said Ansbro went into the shop shortly before noon.

He put several bottles of wine in his pockets and picked up two bunches of flowers. Staff asked him to return them. “He suddenly lunged towards Mr Pratt and headbutted him in the face,” said Miss Parker.

Helen Oates, defending, said her client could not remember the incident but accepted his guilt.