A CHEEKY thief asked a security guard the way out of a town centre store before pocketing jewellery and cosmetic items worth £133.

Blackburn magistrates heard the loss prevention officer at Debenhams was not fooled by Stephen Duerden's friendly approach and stopped him as he left.

The court was told at that point he defendant's demeanour changed and he became threatening.

Duerden, 44, of New Bank Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft and assault Mubeen Khalifa. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a nine months alcohol treatment requirement and 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was fined £20 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to Mr Khalifa.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when Duerden was asked to go back into the store he became aggressive and threatening.

"At one point he pulled his fist back and Mr Khalifa thought he was going to be struck," said Miss Allan. "He restrained him on the floor until the police arrived."

The court was told Duerden accepted he was an alcoholic and had been desperate for money. He said anything he raised would have been spent on alcohol and food with alcohol coming first "as it always does at the moment."

Duerden had self referred to Inspire and his goal was get into detox and rehab.

Imran Hussain, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for a couple of years and had an "enthusiasm" for engaging with the probation service and other agencies to try and been his addiction.