A MAN pushed a Covid protection screen causing it to hit the shop assistant behind the counter.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Kelbie then knocked a lottery machine off the counter causing £1,000 worth of damage.

Kelbie pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the lottery machine at the One Stop Shop on Walmsley Street, Rishton, assaulting Thomas Riley and theft of cans of cider worth £6.

The 36-year-old, of Wells Street, Bury, was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said Kelbie went into the shop at about 1pm and Mr Riley thought he was behaving strangely. He asked if he was OK and Kelbie became abusive and demanded he gave him 20 cigarettes.

"He started to shout and pushed the Covid protection screen which made contact with Mr Riley although not with any force," said Miss Kenyon.

"The CCTV footage then shows him pushing the lottery machine off the counter."

Miss Kenyon said Kelbie left the shop but returned moments later and took the cans of cider.

"When he left Mr Riley locked the door and waited for the police," said Miss Kenyon.

David Marsh, defending, said the screen barely touched the aggrieved.

"When he left the store he waited outside for the police to arrive," said Mr Marsh.