A MAN accused of stealing from his employers told magistrates he had been forced to commit the offence by a co-worker who had broken his nose and slapped him around the face.

Rafaqat Ali aged 21, of Heywood Street, Bury, pleaded not guilty to stealing a mobile phone worth £200 belonging to Argos at Pilsworth on the basis of duress.

Ali, a student at Leeds Metropolitan University, had worked at a distribution warehouse. He was found with a mobile telephone down his sock during a security check.

Rochdale magistrates ordered him to carry out 80 hours' community service and to pay trial costs of £290.