SHORTLY after a 44-year-old man was made subject to a suspended prison sentence for numerous theft offences he used a stolen debit card to make contactless purchases.

Blackburn magistrates heard Sean Edward Hargreaves was also caught in possession of equipment for use in connection with theft.

Hargreaves, of Dall Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of stolen cards and going equipped for theft.

He was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the suspended sentence imposed in May had been for numerous theft offences. She said the bank card had been stolen from motor vehicles but there was nothing to link Hargreaves to the thefts.

"It is one charge but there were numerous uses of the card," said Mrs Mann.

Janet Sime, defending, said Hargreaves had been homeless for a long time which had caused difficulties with benefits.

"He has managed to obtain an address in Dall Street and he is now in a position to claim benefits," said Miss Sime.