A THIEF spotted slashing the soft top of a convertible was rumbled by a woman who called police and kept up a "running commentary," on the phone.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Mark Morton, 30, snatched the stereo from the vehicle after attacking the roof with a knife or screwdriver.

When officers arrived, a torch and two screwdrivers were recovered nearby and the defendant put up a violent struggle, lashing out with his arms and legs and threatening police with death as they tried to arrest him.

He had to be taken to the ground and at the custody office threw his head back as if he was going to butt an officer.

Morton, of May Street, Nelson, admitted interfering with a vehicle, theft and resisting police.

He was given a 12 month community order with supervision.

The court was told Morton caused damage to the tune of £760 to the convertible.

He was put on a community order about a month before the offences were committed.

Glen Smith, defending, said the three offences occurred in one night but were an isolated incident.

Morton, who had had problems resorting to alcohol and amphetamine, had been drunk.