A FEMALE security officer was assaulted as she tried to detain a shoplifter.

Blackburn magistrates heard Karl Jack Sharples tried to bite and head butt staff at Tesco in Burnley and claimed he had a blade.

He managed to get hold of the victims hair and told her he would pull it out if she didn't let go of him.

Sharples, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stealing meat worth £48 and assaulting Kimberley Pulleyn-Phillips. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and fined £25 with £85 victim surcharge.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client was released from prison three weeks ago having served a 22 month sentence.

"He has had no assistance since his release with nowhere to live, no doctor and no income," said Mr Taylor. "He has mental health problems but couldn't get the medication he needed without a doctor, he can't get anywhere to live and he was told he couldn't get benefits without being assessed. He still hasn't received any money.

"With no medication, no home and no income it doesn't take a genius to work out what is ultimately going to happen," said Mr Taylor. "He wanted to make a better start but so many obstacles have been put in his way."