A THIEF had his sentencing hearing adjourned after staff at Preston Prison failed to take him to court.

Shazad Rahman, 43, of Fir Street, Nelson, was due to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court for an offence of theft. But he was not in the dock yesterday morning and prosecutor Kevin Donnelly said it was because of the industrial action being taken by the Prison Officers Association union, which ended at 1pm.

Mr Donnelly said: “I was instructed to prosecute the Shazad Rahman case. I understand because of action being taken by the Prison Officers Association he has not been produced.”

Last month Rahman pleaded guilty to stealing a bag, purse and money from Doreen Web.

Judge Nicholas Barker said: “Because Shazad Rahman has not been produced through no fault of his own this case will be listed for next Wednesday.”