A HUNCOAT man was given a fixed penalty after giving a police officer a false name and date of birth.

Blackburn magistrates heard the deception was quickly spotted and the same officer who had issued the ticket went round to Anthony McMillan’s home and arrested him.

McMillan, 25, of Grasmere Close, pleaded guilty to theft of an MP3 player and DVDs from Asda, obstructing a police officer and breach of a community supervision order.

He was given a conditional discharge for two years and had the drug rehabilitation requirement of the community order extended to 12 months.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said McMillan had panicked when he was stopped because of the existing order.

“He made up a totally fictitious name and date of birth and was as shocked as anybody when he was offered a fixed penalty,” said Mr Blacklidge.

“He didn’t think he could go back at that stage.”