These are the latest cases and convictions from Blackpool Magistrates' Court - Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Carmel Roche, 29, racially aggravated assault and theft

A Blackpool shopkeeper was racially abused by a young woman he caught stealing from his store.

Carmel Roche, 29, took sweets and cider from the shelves of the Best One store on Dickson Road.

The drug addict was caught on CCTV and owner Nader Elsomokhly.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said the owner refused to allow Roche to leave.

He searched her bag and found the stolen items.

Roche from Stacksteads near Bacup turned on him and hit his chest and spat on his face.

She racially abused him.

In a statement read to Blackpool Magistrates, the owner said: “After what happened, I felt isolated and depressed.

“I felt that Idid not belong in this country.”

Roche admitted racially aggravated assault and the shop theft.

She was said to have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the offences.

She was sentenced to six months in jail.

Sean McCowen, 27, driving without due care and attention

A man drove badly during foggy conditions.

Sean McCowen, 27 of Warren Drive, Cleveleys, admitted driving without due care and attention on Ashfield Road.

The salesman was fined £252 and must pay £150 costs. The court heard that police pulled up McCowen after seeing his Mazda car go around a roundabout without halting and then clip another roundabout as he turned right.

There was also evidence he was driving too fast.

The defendant told the court: “I did not go round the roundabout the wrong way It was a mini one and I just clipped it”.

Boy, 12, breach of bail

A 12-year-old boy has appeared at court for breaching his bail for the second time.

The youth – who cannot be named for legal reasons –lives in the Marton area of Blackpool

He appeared before District Judge Jane Goodwin where he admitted breaching a curfew order.

He also faces an attempted robbery and assault allegations which will be dealt with at a later date.

His lawyer, Patrick Nelligan, said that the boy had left the home where he lives because of a problem with another youth.

“He stayed one night at a friend’s before returning ,” said Mr Nelligan.

Callum McManus, 31, driving without a insurance and while disqualified, obstructing the police

A man has appeared at court charged with damaging a BMW police traffic car.

Callum McManus, 31, f Haverfield Road ,Manchester, is further charged with disqualified driving and driving without insurance.

He also faces an allegation of obstructing the police.

He denied all matters when he appeared before Blackpool Magistrates.

His trial will take place before the magistrates on April 15.

He was bailed until then.

Robert Benson, 46, escape from police custody, possession of a knife in public

A man accused of escaping from police custody has appeared at court.

Robert Benson, 46, of Falmouth Road,Blackpool is also alleged to have had a knife in public on the town’s Station Road.

Benson was sent for trial by Preston Crown Court by District Judge Jane Goodwin sitting at Blackpoolmagistrates Court.

He was remanded in custody until he appears at the higher court on March 11.