A FORMER market stallholder started waving a knife around when he was confronted by a shopworker who spotted him trying to steal two cans of beer.

Brian Drummond entered Best Booze on Coal Clough Lane in Burnley in July in a bid to satisfy his need for a drink.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Aqib Javed, who was working in the shop at the time, confronted the 62-year-old after he witnessed him enter through the door before heading straight to the alcohol aisle and putting items in his coat pocket.

Prosecuting the case, Carl Hargan explained how once confronted, Drummond took a small vegetable knife from his pocket and started waving it around.

He said: “Mr Javid stood closer and took the two cans from the defendant's pocket at which point the defendant pulled kitchen knife from his jacket pocket.

"Mr Javid said 'he was holding the knife in front of him and waving it around. but before he had the chance to hurt me I went for it and took it from him.

"Mr Javid then grabbed the defendant and tried to push him from the shop where there was a small scuffle.

“He then slapped the defendant in self-defence and called the police.

“He said at the time ‘I was shaken, afraid and wondering what would happen if I didn’t grab the knife. I was scared.’”

When questioned by police, Drummond admitted to stealing the cans, saying he was a desperate alcoholic who had done something stupid.

Drummond, of Scarlett Street, has only once been before the courts in 2011.

Sentencing Drummond for one count of theft, possession of a bladed weapon and common assault, Judge Sara Dodd said: “Your behaviour in that shop as you understand is not just unacceptable it was dangerous. As soon as a blade is produced the reality is anything could happen and anyone could have got hurt.

"I accept in this case that you were the one to get hurt as you were punched by the man working in the shop.

“You are a man who has only been before the courts once for an entirely dissimilar offence. I’ve read everything from your pre-sentence report.

“In particular about you alcohol addiction. While it may be that the blade offence passes the custody threshold, bearing all of the features I know about you and your guilty plea in mind, it seems the most constructive disposal of this case is my way of community order for 18 months."

Judge Dodd also added an alcohol treatment requirement to the order and up to 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.