A SHOPLIFTER who threatened security staff and police with a steak knife is to be sentenced at Crown Court.

Burnley Magistrates heard how drug addict Raja Khan, 40, ended up being CS gassed by officers after the fracas at KwikSave.

Khan, of Newhall Street, Burnley, admitted theft, having an offensive weapon and affray. He was sent in custody to the higher court for sentence.

Teresa Feeley, prosecuting, told the court the defendant had been shoplifting in KwikSave and was challenged by three security staff.

He took a steak knife out of his pocket, threatened the staff and held the weapon towards them.

The defendant was lunging towards one or all of the security staff and got so close to one he had to push him away.

Miss Feeley said police were called. Khan, who was suffering from the effects of heroin, held the knife up again and had to be gassed.

Mark Williams, defending, said Khan, a drug addict, stole coffee and was followed.

He had been holding the knife the wrong way round, but the security staff were obviously concerned.