A PERSISTENT shoplifter was given a chance to mend his ways after admitting an offence which put him in breach of two conditional discharges.
Blackburn magistrates heard John Francis McEwen was also subject to prison licence when he was caught stealing fragrance worth £89 from Debenhams in The Mall.
McEwen, 42, of Islington House, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft.
He was given a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
He was also made subject to a curfew between 7pm and 7am for 10 weeks.
Neil Howard, defending, said McEwen was well known as a shoplifter and security had immediately recognised him and kept watch on him.
"He has had a problem with class A drugs since he was 16 years old and his probation officer says the present time is the most positive he has been for many years," said Mr Howard.
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