DAVID Cowgill broke down in tears as the judge broke the news that he was going to jail.

Cowgill, one of the Clitheroe’s best known businessman, is now starting a 10-month sentence.

His plight has shocked the tight-knit community in the town where his family are very well known.

Cowgill’s ancestors launched the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times before selling it in 1963.

Bryan Cowgill, a Bafta-award winning former BBC1 controller, was his uncle.

David Cowgill followed in his father’s footsteps running Cowgill’s toy shop, stationer’s and newsagent’s.

This was sold in 1999, but he continued helping to run the store.

To the outside world, he seemed every bit the successful and respected boss.

But in reality he had been stealing from the shop for 18 months.

In total he took £30,000 after struggling with mounting debts.

To his credit he has paid back the cash.

And while his plight is very sad, he must take full responsibility for becoming a thief.

When he comes out of prison he will have a lot of work to do to re-build his former good name.