A PROLIFC shoplifter who is banned from every shop in Accrington town centre was back offending within five days of being released from prison.

John Crabtree was arrested for the latest offences on his 66th birthday and jailed for five months when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates the next day.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Crabtree had 70 convictions for 226 offences, 137 of which are thefts. He had been made subject to a criminal behaviour order in May 2018 which bans him from shops in Accrington town centre.

"This is the 23 breach of that order and he was only released from a custodial sentence on Christmas Eve," said Miss Allan. "He is a prolific offender with an appalling record."

Crabtree, 66, of Barnes Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to three breaches of the criminal behaviour order by entering Asda and Wilco on two occasions and theft of a bottle of Fairy Liquid from Wilko. He was jailed for five months.

Richard Prew, defending, said there had been quite a lot of concern when the order was made as to whether his client would be able to comply because of his failing mental health.

"As a result of his latest prison sentence his pension was suspended and he came out of prison on Christmas Eve with £46 discharge grant," said Mr Prew.