RAYMOND Syddall backed a loser when he went into a Blackburn betting shop and started shouting abuse at the female staff.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Syddall had been drinking all day and the odds were against him when a security officer from a nearby shop escorted him from the bookies and detained him until police arrived.

Syddall, 40, of Roney Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Church Street.

He was fined £50 with £40 costs.

The court heard the incident had started with Syddall shouting abuse and throwing cones over the fence towards workers in Church Street. He then went into the betting shop followed by the store detective.

Richard Prew, defending, said Syddall was ashamed of his behaviour, so much so that he had already been to see his GP who was arranging for referral to a counsellor.

"Some good may yet come of this incident," said Mr Prew.