A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with stealing poppies and trying to sell them on Armistice Day.

Russell Summers denied the offence but ended up being jailed for contempt of court after shouting a tirade of abuse at District Judge John Maxwell.

The judge announced that he was remanding Summers in custody for his own protection prompting the outburst.

Summers, 52, of no fixed address pleaded not guilty to theft of poppies belonging to the Royal British Legion from McDonald's and using threatening behaviour.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the allegation was that Summers had stolen the poppies from McDonald's in Blackburn town centre and became abusive when he was arrested after being caught on CCTV offering them to members of the public on King Street in return for a donation.

Summers interrupted the hearing, shouting that his brother had been killed in Northern Ireland and he would never steal poppies.

District Judge Maxwell described the alleged offence as “heinous” and said he was concerned for the defendant’s safety if he was released.

“There would be people who would be tempted to take the law into their own hands,” said District Judge Maxwell. “Whether he is guilty or not, members of the public might seek to deal with the matter themselves. There is a significant likelihood of him getting into difficulties.”

When he realised he was being remanded in custody Summers started shouting that it was “a joke” and said he was being victimised.

He called the District Judge a 'k***head' and a 'd***head' along with other foul-mouthed abused.

He continued to shout abuse as the District Judge announced a 14 day sentence for contempt.

The theft and threatening behaviour charges were adjourned for a trial date to be fixed.