A MAN who smashed Marks and Spencer's window with a chair told police he had done it because he wanted to go back to prison.

But when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates his solicitor said it had not been a deliberate act but a reckless one.

Ian Rowling, 33, of Conway Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to causing £400 worth of damage to a window belonging to Marks and Spencer.

He was made subject to a community order for six months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £300 compensation and a £20 fine.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were called to King William Street at 4.15pm after a report a man had been seen throwing a chair against the window of Marks and Spencer.

"When he was detained the defendant asked police what did he have to do to get nicked," said Miss Allan.

"He said he was on licence and wanted to go back to prison, suggesting it was a deliberate act."

Shaun Finnigan, defending, said Rowling had been involved in the criminal justice system since he was 10 years old and had decided it was time to get out.

"He was on the street begging for money so he didn't have to resort to crime," said Mr Finnigan.

"His girlfriend walked past and saw him begging and that led to an argument and he became frustrated.

"He says he threw the chair recklessly and not with the intention of breaking the window."