A man who was given a chance by a district judge blew it within two weeks.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard that at an earlier hearing Deputy District Judge Andrew Teate had told Shahid Sarwar he was “putting the ball back in your court” by imposing a suspended prison sentence.

Unfortunately, Sarwar committed an identical offence shortly after and this time there was no second chance.

Sarwar, 48, of Gannow Lane, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of various items worth £441 from Sainsbury's.

He was sentenced to four weeks for the offence and a further eight weeks of the suspended sentence was activated.

Victoria Forrest, prosecuting, said Sarwar was seen leaving the store pushing a trolley. As he passed the security point magnets locked the wheels.

“He removed two bags from the trolley and tried to run off but was detained,” said Miss Forrest.

She said Sarwar had a history of theft offences and there had been five sets of offences in 2003.

“In June of this year, only days before this offence was committed, he was made subject to a suspended prison sentence,” said Miss Forrest.

Gareth Price, mitigating, said his client understood he would be sent to prison.

“On the last occasion he told the District Judge he was in sheltered accommodation but his lease was due to end,” said Mr Price.

“He committed this offence so he would be sent to prison because he didn’t want to be on the streets.

"Sadly it is just delaying the inevitable. When he is released he will be back on the streets.”