A SHOPLIFTER who repeatedly targeted the same shop has been warned he faces prison if there is any repeat.

Blackburn magistrates heard Omar Rehman was already subject to two community orders and had totally failed to comply with either.

Rehman, 28, of Heath Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to five charges of shoplifting from Home Bargains between August 20 and November 16. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £202 compensation to Home Bargains and £85 costs.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates warned Rehman that any further offences or failure to co-operate with the probation service would result in him going to prison.

"So far you have been a fool to yourself," said the chairman. "You have not taken any of the help which was made available to you."

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Rehman was known to staff in the store because of the number of times he had been caught shoplifting.

"He was banned from the store but that didn't stop him going in and stealing," said Mrs Yates.

"On one occasion he became aggressive when he was challenged as he tried to leave without paying and on another struggled with an off-duty police officer when she helped to detain him."

Mark Williams, defending, said until four months ago Rehman was living with his family and had never been in trouble.

"He moved out of his parents house, got in with the wrong crowd and ended up taking drugs," said Mr Williams. "In a very short period of time he now finds himself at risk of a custodial sentence."

Mr Williams said his client recognised what a mess he had made of his life in recent months and now intended to go back to his parents' address.

"He is afraid of going to prison," said Mr Williams.