A CROOK has been jailed for ten months by Blackburn magistrates after admitting a string of dishonesty offences.

The court heard that Christopher Rosthorn, 24, had an appalling record and had started committing the latest series of offences within a month of being put on probation for two years at Preston Crown Court.

Rosthorn, of the Police Street hostel, Darwen, pleaded guilty to five charges of stealing from shops, stealing a £600 digital camera from a car, going equipped for theft and using threatening behaviour.

He asked for five other offences to be taken into consideration.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said Rosthorn had a long history of criminal activity and produced a record showing 38 convictions for 76 offences.

Roger Pickles, defending, said that despite the number of offences, they were, taken in isolation, all fairly minor.

"I have not done the mathematics but I would be surprised if the total value of property stolen is over £1,000," said Mr Pickles.

He said Rosthorne had been put on probation after he had spent five months in a drugs rehabilitation centre in Lancaster.

"He came out of there clean but unfortunately drifted back to Blackburn," said Mr Pickles.

"His family have disowned him and unfortunately he did not get the help he needed.

"He had accommodation and benefit problems and turned to shoplifting."

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