A VIOLENT drunk was given a suspended jail term — after his terrified wife called police when he confessed to robbing an off-licence.

Craig Clayton turned up at a Late Shop in Whitworth, Rossendale, as staff were preparing to close for the night.

They refused to let him in so he broke in and stole a bottle of alcohol, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Clayton then got into partner Emma Lamb’s car and told her: “You are not going to believe what’s just happened. You need to drive quick.”

Clayton, aged 41, of Alder Avenue, Bury, admitted affray and burglary on January 9 and appeared for sentence last Friday.

David Macro, prosecuting, told the court Clayton turned up at the shop as it was closing, made abusive comments and swore. He kicked the door in, went into the shop and demanded alcohol before picking up a bottle of Bailey’s. Frightened staff were left cowering in a storage room, the court heard His partner called police after he confessed to what he had done.

Clayton was arrested and told officers: “I have been drinking. I know I have done wrong. I just saw red. I didn’t mean any harm. All I wanted was a drink.” He then apologised.

Simon Gurney, defending Clayton, said he had behaved in a despicable manner.

Sentencing, Judge Norman Wright told the defendant that, while he had not physically assaulted the staff, they had been terrified about what might happen.

He said Clayton had been drinking and taking medication: “That’s a partial explanation, but it doesn’t mitigate what you did. I am told you are remorseful and so you should be,” the judge said.

Clayton was given a year in jail, suspended for two years, will be subject to a two-year supervision order and must attend a programme to help tackle his drink problem.