EX-CON Michael Buch-anan has been given a chance to straighten out his life after he was found with an offensive weapon while stealing drink.

The 44-year-old had only been out of a prison for a few days when he was involved in a fracas with security guards at a town supermarket, Swindon magistrates were told.

But after hearing that since he was 18 years old Buchanan had spent all but about a year in prison the bench decided to defer sentencing to give him a chance to get used to life in the community.

Colin Meeke, pros-ecuting, told the court that Buchanan was spotted with friends drinking from a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon in Tesco's.

When security staff at the store in Ocotal Way tried to detain him he produced an eight-inch screwdriver from the waistband of his trousers, the court heard.

Buchanan had been released on July 23 after being jailed for 33 months in April last year for an offence of threatening to kill a policeman.

The latest offences took place just before 3pm on Monday, August 2, when staff monitoring the CCTV at the shop saw three men go into the store.

Mr Meeke said that after taking the bottle of bourbon the men started to drink from it and were asked to leave the store.

The court heard they were escorted to the door of the shop and asked to pay but that they then refused.

Mr Meeke said one of the members of staff claimed Buchanan had produced a eight inch screwdriver and lunged at a colleague.

He said that the security staff managed to overpower him and called the police, who then arrested him.

When interviewed by police he insisted he had just tried to get rid of the weapon so he would not get into further trouble.

Buchanan, of Raleigh Avenue, Walcot, pleaded guilty to theft and possessing an offensive weapon.

Magistrates decided to defer sentencing until November 17 on the condition he complies with the probation service and the Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drugs Service.

Tina Clarke