A 29-YEAR-OLD man who stole £160 worth of ladies' knickers from a market stall was "arrested" by staff, a court was told.

But Blackburn magistrates heard that after Michael Jackson was handed over to police he ran away and escaped.

Jackson, of Ash Grove, Darwen, pleaded guilty to theft of underwear from Marlene's Stall, as well as a grill from T J Hughes, and obstructing a police officer.

He was remanded in custody for one day so that other matters could be put to him. A charge of escaping from lawful custody was withdrawn.

Elliott Taylforth, defending, said that Jackson's benefits had been stopped and since the end of August he had no income.

"He was desperate and these offences were simply to enable him to survive," said Mr Taylforth.