A MAN's efforts to escape the long arm of the law left him angry and exhausted.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Robert Ginley was seen "pedalling furiously" as he made his getaway on a push bike after stealing a car CD player.

A patrolling police officer, who recognised Ginley, gave chase in his car. After falling from his bike "through sheer exhaustion", Ginley threw the £300 stereo into the canal and said: "There, it's no use to anyone now."

Ginley, 24, of Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft and obstructing a police officer.

He was made subject to a 12 month community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £300 compensation and £25 costs.

Neil White, prosecuting, said the offence was committed only 11 days after Ginley was made subject to a community rehabilitation order by Preston Crown Court for theft. On the day of this offence he had actually been to the Probation Service office to sign up for the community programme.

Mr White said Sergeant Andrew Osbaldeston, on plain clothes duty, saw Ginley, whom he knew well, "pedalling furiously" away from Little Harwood Health Centre. The officer was suspicious and tried to stop Ginley, who cycled down an alley and side streets.

"He eventually got off his bike at Daisyfield Business centre where he threw the cycle towards the officer before running on to the canal towpath," said Mr White.

"At that point he took the car audio equipment from under his jacket and threw it into the canal."