A drug user with more than 70 previous convictions went straight back to offending after his release from prison.

Patrick Harris was thrown out of the accommodation provided to him upon his release from jail after committing three shoplifting offences in three days, Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told.

The theft spree earned him a return to prison.

Harris, 45, of the Homeless Pods, Shadsworth Leisure Centre, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of shoplifting.

He was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge on release.

Jane Rappin, prosecuting, said Harris stole cosmetics worth £400 from Boots on September 9, cosmetics worth £122 from the same shop on September 11 and chocolate worth £15 from Farm Foods on the same day.

She said Harris had 72 previous convictions for 218 offences.

Jonathan Taylor, in mitigation, said his client had been jailed in March and when he was released was found a recovery home in Preston.

“He did well for a while but there were difficulties and he had to leave,” said Mr Taylor.

“He believes that if he can get more help and assistance he can overcome his drug difficulties. He needs something more onerous than post-sentence supervision.”