A 28-YEAR-OLD man once banned from Accrington town centre under an anti-social behaviour order was caught on camera stealing five jars of coffee from Asda.
Blackburn magistrates heard that Michael Aspin, who had been convicted of 145 previous offences, was quickly identified by shop staff and police.
Aspin, of South Shore Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to Blackburn magistrates to shoplifting. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £26 compensation and £50 costs.
Neil White, prosecuting, said that of the 145 convictions on Aspin's record, 120 were for theft or other dishonesty offences.
Michael Blacklidge, defending, said the ASBO had ended in March, coinciding with Aspin's release from his latest custodial sentence.
"He was given an ultimatum by his partner that there should be no more thieving, no more ducking and diving," said Mr Blacklidge. "As a result of this offence, that relationship hangs in the balance."
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