PAUL Hargreaves attempted to appease his irate girlfriend by stealing nappies for her child and chocolates for her.

But as he left a Brownhill store, Blackburn, without paying, the cashier was talking to an off-duty police officer, who gave chase and detained him.

Hargreaves, 28, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing nappies and chocolate, worth £28, from the Late Shop.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Kevin Preston, defending, said Hargreaves' girlfriend lived in the Brownhill area and he had visited her on Saturday.

He had previously promised to give her some money and when he did not have any to give her, an argument developed.

"In an attempt to placate her, he stole the nappies for the baby and the chocolates as a peace offering to her," said Mr Preston.