A TESCO check-out operator claimed a store security guard bullied him into getting cash using customer credit card details.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the guard had been found with a list of credit card details after Imran Karolia had been spoken to about the incident.

But although the guard had been sacked the police had insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences.

Karolia, 21, of Burnley Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two offences of theft from his employer and asked for five other offences to be taken into consideration. He was ordered to do 180 hours community service and pay £228 compensation and £75 costs.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said the offences only came to light after the company was approached by Vincent Rose, a customer. He had been into the store, bought goods and got cash back using his credit card.

Mr Rose was in hospital between February 19 and 29 but when he checked his Visa statement it showed two separate withdrawals being made, one for £64 and the other for £55.

When Tesco staff investigated they found that another customer has complained about a similar incident after going through the same till, when the same assistant had served him.

Mrs Duckworth said Karolia said he had initially put club points on his own card to obtain vouchers and had subsequently entered Visa debit numbers which he said he had been given by the security guard and obtained money under the cash back system.

When interviewed by police, Karolia said that the security guard had caught him putting the club points on his card and had then told him to make withdrawals using the numbers he provided.

"He said he was approached by this guard who he was frightened of," said Mrs Duckworth.