A MAN detained by store security claimed he had not stolen anything.

Blackburn magistrates heard the plea of innocence by Mark Walker Donaldson was proved to be a lie when two bottles of Jack Daniel's fell from his trousers and smashed on the floor as he was walking to the security office.

Donaldson, 32, of Mitre Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to stealing from Sainsbury's. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and ordered to pay £40 compensation.

Janice Vallance, prosecuting, said Donaldson entered the store with another male and security staff were monitoring them as they removed security tags from bottles of Jack Daniel's.

When they were challenged the other man handed over three bottle of whiskey and then sprinted from the store.

"Donaldson remained and initially denied taking anything," said Miss Vallance. "As they were walking to the security office two bottles fell from his trousers and smashed on the floor."

Salina Akhtar, defending, said her client claimed he was struck by the security officer causing the whiskey to fall to the floor and smash.

She said he was living in supported accommodation and his drug misuse, which was being his offending, was being addressed.