MARTIN Haggan was dragged from his bed in the early hours of the morning when between 10 and 15 police officers from the Operational Support Unit forced their way into his home

But Blackburn magistrates heard Haggan was only wanted for questioning in relation to two charges of shoplifting involving chocolate and biscuits worth a total of £9.79.

Haggan, 27, of Cleveleys Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing bars of chocolate worth £7.14 from Healds Day and Nite store on Fishmoor Drive and stealing three packets of biscuits worth £2.65 the following day. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £9.79 compensation and £118 costs.

The court heard that a shop assistant, who knew Haggan, had become suspicious following his visits to the store and a review of the closed circuit TV tape revealed the offences, which were reported to the police.

Paul Schofield, defending, said both offences had been had been committed in drink and other than that his client could not explain them.

"What I feel the court should be aware of is the manner of my client's arrest," said Mr Schofield. "He was in bed in the early hours of Wednesday when numerous officers, he believes between 10 and 15, from the Special Support Unit based at Great Harwood, forced their way into his home.

"They were dealing with two minor matters of shoplifting and the behaviour of the police was excessive to say the least."

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