Man 'kicked off' when a shop assistant refused to serve him alcohol at 7.30am

Blackburn magistrates heard Patrick McDonagh was abusive and threatening towards the shop keeper and then smashed a window of the cafe next door as he left.

McDonagh, of Bristow Street, Middlesborough, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards Clare Davies and damaging a double glazed door belonging to Kim Vasey.

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The court was told the offences put him in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed for an offence of affray and he was jailed for a total of 26 weeks.

He was also ordered to pay £400 compensation for the damaged door and £100 to Miss Davies.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said McDonagh went into the Premier Store in Colne at 7.30am and asked for alcohol. Clare Davies told him she couldn't serve him drink until 8am and he immediately became abusive and threatening.

"A second man came in and apologised for his friend's behaviour but the defendant came back in swearing at her," said Miss Allan. "As he went out Miss Davies heard the sound of breaking glass."

Miss Vasey was working in her cafe next door when she heard shouting. McDonagh came in and started shouting about punching someone and then punched her glass door causing it to crack.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client's partner had become pregnant and he had been excited about becoming a father.

"She lost the unborn child about two months ago and he has struggled to cope with that," said Mr Price. "He has effectively been homeless for the last few weeks and drinking heavily."