A MAN was arrested after he was chased along a canal towpath -- by his victim who was also relaying the movements to police on a mobile phone.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Stewart Bamber, who had caught David Currie stealing the radio from his car, was threatened with a screwdriver on several occasions when Currie turned to face him.

But he maintained his pursuit and eventually directed police to gardens in the Audley area where Currie was found hiding in undergrowth.

Homeless Currie claimed he would rather go to prison than live on the streets of Blackburn.

And he backed up his claim by asking to be sent down after pleading guilty to charges of theft, threatening behaviour and possession of cannabis. The magistrates obliged by sentencing Currie, 24, to 60 days in prison.

Teresa Feely, prosecuting, said Mr Bamber was walking back to his car which was parked near Eanam Wharf. As he got close he noticed someone hiding near the driver's door and when challenged the man ran off.

Mr Bamber shouted at him to drop the radio he had in his hand and then set off in pursuit.

"There was quite a chase along the canal towpath and Currie stopped several times, turned round and threatened Mr Bamber with the screwdriver," said Mrs Feely.

"Eventually the chase lead to gardens in the Audley area where Mr Bamber was able to direct the police."

Mrs Feely said the radio was recovered from where Currie was hiding.

Paul Schofield, defending, said Currie had appeared in court on Monday for possession of cannabis and the previous week for a shoplifting offence for which he had received a 28-day prison sentence. He had been released immediately because he had been in custody awaiting sentence and had served his time.

"He was released and hoped he could settle down, find somewhere to live and claim benefits," said Mr Schofield. "Sadly, here we are again and the bottom line is that he would prefer to be in prison rather than homeless on the streets of Blackburn.

"As a man with a criminal background, he agrees with the sentiment that if someone is prepared to commit the crime they should also be prepared to do the time and he fully expects to be sent to prison today.

He said that when Currie went to steal from the cars it was in his mind if he got caught he would go to prison and if he did not he would raise some money to perhaps find some temporary accommodation.

"Being caught offered the prospect of being fed and having a roof over his head," said Mr Schofield.