A 20-year-old man has been jailed after 'ripping the life, blood and soul' from a town centre.

Jordan Monks was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to several drugs offences, a GBH charge and numerous shoplifting offences which all took place in Hyndburn, many in Accrington town centre.

He will spend the next 31 months behind bars.

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson from the Accrington town centre policing team said: "Monks plagued many small businesses within Accrington town centre with his persistent offending, ripping the life, blood and soul from the town centre businesses.

"On one occasion Monks has pushed over a female member of staff causing her a serious injury which needed hospital treatment.

"We welcome the lengthy jail sentence imposed by the courts.”

Lancashire Telegraph: