A MAN went on a three week shoplifting spree, helping himself to more than £800 worth of goods.

Blackburn magistrates heard that on one occasion Aleric George McKee shoulder charged a female assistant who was blocking the door and carried her outside the shop.

Mckee, 27, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to 12 charges of shoplifting and one of assault. He was jailed for four weeks.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said four thefts from Aldi totalled £176, four from the Spar totalled £169, three from the Co-operative £320 and one from the Original Factory Shop in Great Harwood £142.

He said the assault occurred at the Spar shop on Burnley Road, Accrington.

The manageress was suspicious when McKee came into the shop and positioned herself in the doorway.

"A few minutes later, having filled a basket with £78 worth of goods, he ran towards the door and used a rugby style shoulder charge to push past her."

Mr Robinson said none of the goods stolen had been recovered.

Gareth Price, defending, said the offences were low level in their sophistication.

"He picks up items and leaves without paying," said Mr Price. "There have been occasions when he has been challenged and he has handed back the goods and left."

He said it was conceded the most serious incident was the assault which his client said was reckless rather than intentional.

"He accepts the member of staff was entitled to stop him and as there was contact it was an assault," said Mr Price.

He said his client had mental health issues which hadn't been helped by his use of drugs.

"The last offence was four weeks ago and, given how prolific he was in the weeks before, you may ask what has changed," said Mr Price. "He says he has started to realise the drugs were having a negative impact on him and those close to him. He has reduced and then stopped his use of cocaine."