A MAN has been banned from a Blackburn off-licence for a year after going in and behaving "like a lout" with his brother.

David Stones, 22, and his brother Lee, 19, both of Cemetery Road, Darwen, had earlier pleaded guilty to an offence of using threatening behaviour. Both were told to carry out 100 hours unpaid work for the community, while David Stones was also placed on 12 months rehabilitation.

The case related to an incident at an off-licence in Starkie Street on February 16.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, said Lee Stones entered the shop and was clearly drunk. He picked up a bottle of vodka, but didn't have enough money to pay.

He went outside to speak to his brother and both young men walked in. Lee Stones had an argument with the shopkeeper and was told to leave on a number of occasions.

David Stones appeared to approach the counter and both brothers were asked to leave. David Stones then punched the shopkeeper once, just above the left eye and he was ejected from the shop.

The older brother later claimed that the shopkeeper had attempted to "start on him" and he had wanted to defend himself. Lee Stones told police he had tried to split up a scuffle between his brother and the shopkeeper. Both men had previous convictions.

Mr Mark Stuart, defending David Stones, said it had undoubtedly been an unpleasant offence carried out by someone with convictions for violence.

The barrister suggested that a community sentence could be passed -- with a requirement to go on a Think First programme.

Charles Brown, defending Lee Stones, said the teenager's involvement had been verbal only.

The judge, Recorder Alan Conrad QC, told the defendants: "You both went to the off-licence premises and behaved like a couple of thorough louts."