A SUSPECTED thief attacked a woman security officer and dragged her by her hair from a supermarket into the car park, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how drunken stonemason David Pengilly, 44, hit victim Janet Westwell across the head, kicked out and wouldn't let go of her hair.

He was detained after colleagues at Morrisons, Nelson, went to her aid and Miss Westwell and the defendant had crashed to the floor.

Pengilly, of Brunswick Street, Nelson, had admitted assault by beating and been convicted of stealing from shop premises, on June 21 last year.

He was given 120 hours community punishment, and has to pay £200 compensation and £110 costs.

Julie Reddish, prosecuting, told the court the security officer had gone to identify herself to Pengilly after he was suspected of trying to leave the store without paying for goods.

Pengilly hit her across the head, grabbed her hair and dragged her into the car park. After he was detained by staff, it was found he had allegedly tried to take groceries worth £60.46 without paying. Miss Westwell suffered a sore head and redness and swelling to the right side of her face and ear.

Miss Reddish said the defendant was arrested, taken to the police station and interviewed. He said he couldn't really remember what had happened because of the amount of drink he had had.

Pengilly told officers he had gone to the pub at 7.30am to watch football and couldn't remember how much drink he had had.

When he was asked about the shoplifting allegation, he denied it and said: "Its ridiculous."

Mark Irlam, defending, said the theft offence was Pengilly's first conviction for dishonesty and he would be appealing against the conviction.

He admitted the assault at the earliest opportunity.

It was always the defendant's version of events that he was grabbed by the security officer.

Pengilly, who had served six months in prison after lashing out at a man attacking his wife, knew there was a possibility he would go to custody.

Mr Irlam said jail would be of no benefit to the defendant who would be in grave danger of losing his home and his business.