By Saul Cooke-Black

A DRUNKEN man who stole a bottle of cider and six bottles of port from a Co-Operative store in Cashes Green, Stroud, was spared punishment on Friday.

Declan Blick, 22, of Cashes Green Road, Stroud, threatened two Co-Operative workers who were unloading stock from a lorry on February 15 this year, Gloucester crown court heard.

Prosecuting Julian Kesner said: "The defendant was told the shop was closed and he could not make a purchase. At that he turned very aggressive and said he was going to walk out with cider and if they tried to stop him he would knock them both out.

"They were both genuinely very frightened by his behaviour. Mr Cratchley says he thought he was going to get beaten up and his heart was thumping very fast.

"Mr Weston was also sufficiently scared not to intervene when the defendant walked out with a bottle of cider and six bottles of port."

Judge Jamie Tabor said he had read a report on Blick's behaviour since the offence and noted that he had now stopped drinking and appeared to have 'turned the corner.'

From the dock, Blick confirmed to the judge that he was now '100 percent' clear of alcohol.

The judge said he would therefore defer sentence on Blick to see if he could stay out of trouble for the next six months.

He said: "Drink has taken far to big a part of your life. You have got to learn not to touch the stuff because it won't do you any good.

"You must prove to me that you have turned the corner. I shall expect a letter from your employer at the next hearing. You will write to the two people you threatened at the Co-op saying you are sorry and you will keep copies for me to see.

"You will not drink in the next six months and you will not commit any crime. Disobey any of those things and you will go straight inside. You have got a talent, make use of it and keep away from the booze."

Sentence was deferred until November 12.