A 24-YEAR-OLD man reached his own verdict after magistrates announced they were going to adjourn to another courtroom to pass sentence.

Lee Suddick clearly believed the move meant an immediate prison sentence and when the hearing reconvened in court Number One at Blackburn magistrates, which has direct access to the cells, the defendant was nowhere to be seen.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Suddick, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, who had earlier pleaded guilty to shoplifting.

The court heard that the offence was committed within eight days of Suddick's release from a custodial sentence.

Stephen Parker, defending, conceded that his client had an appalling record but suggested that the magistrates may be able to take an unusual course and not impose an immediate prison sentence.

He said the offence had been committed very soon after Suddick was released from prison, a time which most people find the most difficult.

"He was without money, having spent his small discharge grant and facing a lengthy wait before his benefits were sorted out," said Mr Parker.

"He found himself between a rock and a hard place and responded by doing what he has done before."