A SUSPECTED shoplifter threatened an assistant manager who tailed him from a Blackburn cash and carry business.

William Carter dropped stolen property and apparently pointed a 3in bladed penknife at the other man. Although he managed to flee the scene, Carter was still arrested next day by police.

He was given nine months' prison by a judge at Preston Crown Court who first ordered that the 34-year-old serve 150 days' outstanding licence before starting his jail sentence.

Carter of Seascale Close, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to charges of theft and affray.

Mr John O'Shea, prosecuting, said the theft occurred at Right Way cash and carry on Audley Range on March 18th. The defendant was shown on CCTV seemingly putting a Victorian style doll under his jacket. Carter, who was with a female, left the shop. A shop assistant, who was also The assistant manager followed them and on Pringle Street Carter was asked to hand over the doll and the confrontation occurred.

He ran off and was followed, dropping the property on the way. Words were exchanged with the shop man. Carter appeared to have pointed the pen knife towards him.

He turned on his heels and ran off, leaving the other man feeling shaken by what had happened.

When later interviewed Carter said that beforehand he had taken tablets for nervousness and sleeping.

Defence barrister Mr Tony Cross said an aggravating feature of the case was the threat of violence. However, there had been no actual violence.

Judge Philip Sycamore said: "People must be allowed to go about their daily life and work without being subjected to threats of violence by people like you."

The offences arose within a short period of Carter being released on licence on February 25th.

Judge Philip Sycamore said: the incident must have caused significant distress to the man who approached the defendant outside the shop.

"People must be allowed to go about their daily life and work without being subjected to threats of violence by people like you."