Two construction workers helped chase a Blenheim shoplifter who ran away after stealing from Countdown Springlands, police say.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Harris told the Blenheim District Court on Monday that Tony Whitcombe had run out of the store on March 5 with meat and beer and was being chased by staff when the two construction workers joined the case and caught him.

Whitcombe, 49, of Mayfield, admitted shoplifting the items worth $12.44 and was sentenced to 40 hours' community work.

Mr Harris said Whitcombe told police he was shoplifting to get by because times were tough.

Defence lawyer Bryony Millar said Whitcombe was a sickness beneficiary who was waiting for knee and hip surgery.

Judge Stephen Harrop said Whitcombe had also been convicted of shoplifting on January 28, but it was clear he hadn't learnt his lesson.

Also in court on Monday:

Angus Hendrix Ngarangione, 22, unemployed, of Mayfield, admitted possession of cannabis and was sentenced to six months' supervision, including to complete a tikanga Maori course.

Steven Ben Bullen, 29, a slaughterer, of Blenheim, admitted careless driving and was fined $400.

Mr Harris said on August 10 last year Bullen had stopped his car on the gravel road next to the railway tracks on McCartney St in Blenheim and when he started again, he accelerated heavily, making the car snake from side to side.

Wayne Alan Richardson, 45, of Blenheim, denied charges of threatening to kill, assaulting a child, assaulting a female and breaching a protection order. He was remanded to reappear on April 8.

Yangku Park, 50, of Blenheim, denied charges of indecent assault and doing an indecent act with intent to offend and was remanded to reappear on April 9.

Andrew James Lyford, 46, a drainlayer of Grovetown, denied charges of unlawfully being in a yard and breach of a protection order and was remanded to appear on April 23.

Tahana Mark Cootes, 24, of Blenheim denied a charge of assault.

Jesse Wayne Barnes, 21, a kitchenhand of Springlands, denied a charge of driving while suspended.

- The Marlborough Express