A PROLIFIC offender who went on another shoplifting spree was given a chance and a warning.

Blackburn magistrates heard Karl Jack Sharples had committed 10 offences of shoplifting and one of attempted shoplifting since his release from his last prison sentence.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said she was surprised the pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service recommended a community order.

"This was clearly a crime spree following your release from prison in December," said District Judge Preston.

"There is a pattern of you going to prison, coming out and committing offences and that is what has happened here. Because of the pre-sentence report I am going to give you a chance. If you don't comply you can expect to go to prison."

Sharples, 35, of Wood Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to the shoplifting charges and one of criminal damage. He was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years with an Alcohol Abstinence Monitoring Requirement for 120 days and 36 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £154 victim surcharge.

Sharples was made subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order for two years which which prohibits him from entering the Texaco service station, Lidl, Quality Save, Iceland, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Savoy Service Station, all in Darwen.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said the criminal damage was related to a shoplifting incident. Sharples had gone into the Savoy Service Station with the intention of stealing and when he was challenged picked up a fire extinguisher and threw it at a glass door.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had spent some time in custody as a result of the offences.

"Over the years he has spent a great deal of time in custody," said Mr Taylor.

"He realises that without assistance he is going to struggle to remain offence free. He does feel confident that if he is given the chance to respond to the community order he will be able to overcome his difficulties.

"He is not getting any younger and doesn't want to spend a great deal of the rest of his life in prison," added Mr Taylor.