DNA evidence returned Bernard Rawstron to prison just six days after he had been released.
Blackburn magistrates heard that Rawstron was released from a four-month sentence last Friday but on Tuesday police received confirmation that DNA evidence linked him to a theft from a vehicle back in May.
And when he appeared in court on Thursday, Rawstron was given a further 14 days in custody.
Rawstron, 26, of Williams Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a Sony CD system worth £701 from a car belonging to Steven Dixon.
Basharat Ditta, defending, said it was unfortunate the offence could not have been dealt with when Rawstron received a four-month prison sentence.
He said that in May, Rawstron was using heroin and had been committing offences to feed his habit.
"While he has been in custody he has been through a detoxification programme and for the first time in a long time he has got somewhere to live," said Mr Ditta.
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