A man raided an amusement arcade only 20 minutes after leaving police custody.
Thomas Barrett grabbed a tray of cash from under a security screen and then fled.
Barrett, aged 30, of Church Close, Freckleton, pleaded guilty to theft.
He was sentenced to 12 months supervision by Blackpool magistrates.
Prosecutor, Tracy Yates, said at 10.30pm on October 8 a woman was working in the change booth at Coral Island, Blackpool.
Barrett reached under security glass and grabbed a tray containing £70 in one pound coins.
He fled but was taken to the floor at the entrance of Blackpool Tower by one of Coral Island’s security guards.
The guard kept him under citizen’s arrest until police arrived.
Martin Hillson, defending, said just after being released from the police station Barrett met a man demanding cash.
He threatened Barrett that if he did not repay an old drug debt of £60 immediately there would be serious repercussions.
Fearing he would be assaulted, Barrett went straight to Coral Island 100 yards away and snatched the cash, the court heard.