A store detective was assaulted as he tried to recover stolen property from under a rough sleeper’s duvet, a court has heard.

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told the goods had been put in Matthew Weller’s belongings by the thief who then fled the scene.

Weller, 42, of no fixed address, admitted to assault and was ordered to pay £50 compensation.

Jackie Partington, prosecuting, said the incident occurred outside the Poundland store in the Arndale Centre, Accrington.

The victim had seen a man take washing powder and perfume gift sets and leave without paying.

He followed him out of the store and saw him push the items under a duvet in a doorway.

“When he tried to remove the items, the defendant punched him on the neck,” said Miss Partington.

“He then threw another punch which struck him on the shoulder. Another member of staff saw him try and grab his colleague around the neck.”

Jonathan Taylor, in mitigation, said his client was not involved in the theft.

He added: “Because that person realised he had been spotted, he tried to hide the goods in my client’s belongings.

“When the security guard came over my client was not fully aware of what was going on.

“He saw someone delving into his belongings and he responded to that.

“He wasn’t sure what the other man was trying to remove and accepts he got hold of him.”