A BACUP shoplifter who smashed a store window with a chair to climb out and run away was sent to prison for a total of five months.

James Ward, 33, of Thorn Drive, Bacup, had threatened staff members with a screwdriver on the store premises and was later detained after a struggle, the court heard.

Ward admitted theft, criminal damage and threatening behaviour charges when he appeared before Rochdale magistrates.

Mr Mike Church-Taylor, prosecuting, said a security officer had detained Ward, who had taken property without paying, at the Co-op in Ramsbottom.

Ward produced a screwdriver and threatened two members of staff before throwing a chair through a glass observation window through which he climbed to attempt to make good escape.

He was chased and detained after a struggle.

Ward claimed he did not intend to threaten the staff and that the screwdriver had come out of his pocket while he was removing cash.

Mr Anthony Shimmin, defending, said Ward, who also had an appearance pending at Burnley and had a record which included jail, was "alive to the reality of his situation."