A COMPUTER store assistant processed a credit card transaction for an acquaintance who claimed he could not make it to the shop in person.

Blackburn magistrates heard the details given were from a stolen card and Mohammed Makda had no way of checking their validity.

And as a result of his "crass stupidity" Makda had lost his job and his good name.

Makda, 21, of Winchester Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a Panasonic digital camcorder and a PlayStation from Powerhouse, in Whitebirk Drive.

He was ordered to do 100 hours community service and pay £739 compensation. Richard Prew, defending, said Makda only knew the 'purchaser' by his first name but had agreed to process the purchase and take the goods home in direct contravention of company policy.

"Because of this act of crass stupidity he has lost his employment and his good name," said Mr Prew.

"He thought the card details would be legitimate and the transaction would be honoured which was clearly very naive."

He said neither Makda had handed the camcorder nor the PlayStation over to the acquaintance and neither had been recovered.