A BLACKBURN store manageress did not give chase when a man stole two boxes of Famous liqueurs from her shop because she feared for her safety, a court was told.

But Blackburn magistrates heard Scott McKay was famous enough with the police for them to recognise him from CCTV footage.

McKay, 27, of Melville Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing from the Day and Nite shop, in Bank Top, and a second offence of stealing three handbags worth £40 from New Image.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 costs.

David Macro, prosecuting, said McKay told police he could not remember the incident because of the amount of alcohol he had consumed. "It had been a hectic day," said Mr Macro.

Roger Pickles, defending, said drink had been a feature of his client's life for many years. He had been released from prison in October and had stayed out of trouble until the first of the offences on New Year's Day.

"That is a long time for him and reflects his determination to make a fresh start," said Mr Pickles.

He said McKay had been jailed for two years after pointing a toy gun at someone in a kebab shop during an argument over £3 worth of donner meat.

"It was a stupid offence but the sentence gave him time to think long and hard and take a look at his life," said Mr Pickles.