A NUISANCE who tried to steal chocolate bars from B&M has been banned from all stores across the country.

James Thompson, of Bewsey, also brandished scissors towards security staff after being caught in the act.

He was charged with theft, two counts of assault and three counts of possessing drugs, and he appeared to be sentenced at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 11

The 44-year-old was allowed to walk free from court, but he will be punished by not being able to visit the nationwide discount retail chain’s UK stores.

Laura Simpson, prosecuting, told the court how the theft and assault offences were committed in the B&M Bargains store at Clayton Square in Liverpool city centre.

On March 8, Thompson stole four chocolate bars worth £27.19, but security were alerted by a customer who witnessed him.

The defendant was escorted into an office an became abusive, picking up a pair of scissors from a desk and pointing them at the two security officers.

He was taken to the ground however and police were informed.

The drug matters arose on June 15 last year, also in the Liverpool area, with police finding Thompson in possession of quantities of the class A drugs heroin and cocaine, as well as the class B drug cannabis.

District judge James Clarke took the defendant’s guilty pleas into account and concluded that, despite the severity of the offences, he could suspend the sentence.

Thompson, whose address in court was given as Villagio Hotel, on Folly Lane, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and abide by the terms of an exclusion order not to enter any B&M store for a period of 18 months.

In addition, the court told him he must pay compensation of £200 to the security officers, while an order was approved for the forfeiture and destruction of the heroin, cocaine and cannabis.