A prolific shoplifter from Blackburn was given a chance by the same district judge who had sent him to prison on his previous appearance before the court.

David Yates appeared for three offences but the court was told two had been committed before his last custodial sentence was imposed.

At Blackburn Magistrates' Court, District Judge Alexandra Preston said she had sent Yates to prison for eight weeks the last time he appeared and he had committed one of the latest offences a week after he was released.

“It seems to me you are on a merry-go-round of being sent to prison, coming out and committing more offences,” said District Judge Preston.

“I am going to deal with you differently today in an attempt to break the cycle.”

Yates, 39, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of chocolate and cheese worth £15 from Nisa Local, Darwen, theft of cleaning products worth £99 from Home Bargains and fraudulent use of a stolen bank card.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was ordered to pay £114 compensation and the terms of an existing criminal behaviour order. previously imposed on Yates, were extended to include exclusion from Nisa and Home Bargains.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said the bank card had been stolen from a parked car and Yates was caught on CCTV trying to use it but there was no evidence to link him to the theft.

Jonathan Taylor, mitigating, said his client was released from prison without a discharge grant and he had no money.

“He has only just managed to get his benefits back on track,” said Mr Taylor.

He has also managed to get back on his methadone script and with those two in place, it may be that he can move forward without further recourse to stealing.

“If he is sent to prison he will come out and be back to square one.”