A SHOPLIFTER challenged by a member of staff was eventually detained with the help of two members of the public who came to her assistance.

Blackburn magistrates heard when Frederick Jason Sagar was initially asked to return the clothing he had just stolen he said it was his.

Sagar, 51, of Burnley Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to stealing clothing worth £219 from Select Store, Accrington. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said the member of staff was approached by a customer who said she had just seen a man run out of the shop with some clothing.

"She pursued him, confronted him and demanded her clothing back," said Mr Tindall. "He said it was his but she was joined by another member of staff and two men who took the clothing back."

Gareth Price, defending, said that for much of his life Sagar had struggled with alcohol, drugs, mental health and accommodation issues.

"In the past few weeks he has benefitted from working with a number of agencies," he is on a methadone script, he has his own accommodation and thigs are looking better for him that they have in a long time."