A man acted as “doorman” for another man who was stealing almost £200 worth of jackets from Marks and Spencer.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Sean Wright stood by the automatic doors at the Blackburn store to stop them closing on December 20, while his accomplice grabbed items of clothing before running out.

Wright, 34, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of jackets worth £198.

The court was told he had been dealt with for three similar offences a week earlier and Mark Williams, offering mitigation, said the latest offence should have been brought forward and all matters dealt with at the same time.

“I doubt a fourth offence would have affected the community order that was imposed last week,” said Mr Williams.

The chair of the magistrates said the bench agreed the latest offence should have been dealt with along with the others. The magistrates ordered him to pay £99 compensation.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said Wright had no previous convictions for dishonesty.

Mr Williams said his client had met the other man when they were living in a hostel and he had "clearly" played the lead role.