A PROLIFIC thief who exposed himself to a shopkeeper has been banned from Blackburn town centre.

Gareth Harrison was jailed for 10 months, as well as being handed a five-year anti-social behaviour order, after he continually shoplifted in the town.

The 33-year-old, of Pump Street, Blackburn, was sentenced at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court for theft and causing alarm, harassment and distress.

The charges relate to an incident at Sports Direct on King William Street in Blackburn in May this year, when Harrison was challenged about concealing a stolen T-shirt and then exposed himself to staff.

The ASBO prevents him from entering Blackburn town centre and the surrounding retail parks, to prevent him from stealing from stores.

After the hearing, Inspector James Black said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed to Harrison. I feel it reflects the partnership work we undertook in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Council and local shops in the area.

“Over a period of time, he has caused problems for local businesses and the customers of Blackburn town centre.

“This ASBO will now bring much relief to the businesses, their employees and customers who have been plagued by crime and anti-social behaviour at the hands of Harrison.

“My team of dedicated police officers responsible for Blackburn town centre will continue to target, disrupt and robustly manage people involved in criminality or those who feel it appropriate to engage in disruptive behaviour that affects the community.

“Crime will not be tolerated anywhere in Blackburn with Darwen and we will do everything in our power to identify, arrest and bring those involved to justice.”