A PENSIONER appearing in court for the 30th breach of a criminal behaviour order which bans him from every shop in Accrington town centre claimed he couldn't remember where he could and couldn't go.

Blackburn magistrates heard prolific offender John Crabtree had walked into Aldi and then walked out.

District Judge James Clarke said he could send Crabtree to prison for six months for the breach.

"Previous sentences have clearly not achieved what they were meant to do and, given what I have been told about your memory I think we need to explore the problem," he said.

Crabtree, 66, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of the order which was made in May 2018.

He was remanded on bail until November 12 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and the probation service were asked to liaise with the mental health services so the extent of the defendant's problem could be assessed.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said on Monday Crabtree was seen inside Aldi and the police were called.

He was arrested in a nearby pub and told the officers he had forgotten about the order.

Richard Prew, defending, said it appeared Crabtree had gone into the entrance to Aldi and then walked out.

"There was no shoplifting or disturbance," said Mr Prew.

"He has to accept he was in breach although he can't remember.

"He has now moved to Blackburn and that should at least keep him away from Accrington where the order relates to."