A MAN stopped as he tried to walk out of a store without paying for £120 worth of batteries was found to be carrying a craft knife.

Blackburn magistrates heard Craig Southworth handed over the blade when asked if he was carrying any sharps and later claimed he had forgotten it was there after using it to open Christmas presents.

Southworth, 46, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of Duracell batteries from Wilko and possessing a bladed article in a public place. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation and a curfew between 9pm and 7am for three months. He was ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Southworth had a previous conviction for possessing an offensive weapon in 2003.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Southworth had been struggling for money after Christmas and wanted to buy a present for his son's birthday.

"As far as the craft knife is concerned it was something he considered to be a tool and it just happened to be in his pocket," said Mr Taylor.

"He simply didn't apply his mind to the fact it was there."