A 39 -YEAR-OLD man produced a knife when he was challenged by shop manager as he tried to steal property.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stephen Paul Willocks did not brandish the weapon or threaten the manager but it was clearly shown to deter him from following him and trying to detain him.

Willocks, of Hornes Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to theft from the Co-op in Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, and possession of a knife in a public place, and two other charges of shop theft on different occasions. He was jailed for a total of eight weeks.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said the Co-op manager had seen Willocks stealing and challenged him as he left the store.

"As he did he noticed the defendant had a small knife in his hand," said Mrs Geldard. "He pulled back into the shop and called for the police.

She said Willocks last conviction had involved him threatening a shop assistant with a syringe.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client was realistic about his prospects.

"The knife was not brandished towards the store manager but he accepts it was produced and that would have been frightening," said Mr Price.