A SHOPLIFTER "with no regard for the law" has been jailed after reoffending just two hours after being released from court.

Daniel Doherty, aged 22, was arrested on November 22 by undercover police wearing plain clothes as they conducted an operation to target shoplifters in Accrington town centre.

He pleaded guilty to 26 shoplifting offences, for which he received an 18-week suspended sentence, police said.

Doherty was also granted a criminal behaviour order, which prevented him from entering Accrington town centre and other retail outlets on the outskirts.

On Monday, November 25, Doherty was released from court and "took it upon himself to commit another shoplifting offence" just two hours later, police said.

In the latest offence, officers said he stole items from The Thrifty’s store in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Two days later, on Wednesday, November 27, Doherty was arrested by police in Rishton, again interviewed and again charged.

He has now been handed a 22-week prison sentence.

Lancashire Police's Hyndburn team has released an update about his reoffending.

Police Sergeant Corbett of the Hyndburn Neighbourhood policing team said: "Doherty clearly has no regard for the law and took it upon himself to shoplift within two hours of being released by the courts.

"Although it is very frustrating that he was released in the first place I am satisfied that the appropriate punishment has finally been offered to this individual.

"We will now concentrate our efforts locally to target others who feel the need to act in a similar fashion, hopefully the stores and store workers in Accrington will finally find some reassurance that Doherty is off our streets."

Hyndburn Police posted on Facebook: "Update regarding Prolific shoplifter Daniel Doherty. On November 22, 2019, prolific Accrington shoplifter Daniel Doherty was arrested and charged with 26 Shoplifting Offences committed within Accrington Town Centre.

"He was remanded in police custody and appeared at court where he was given an 18 week suspended sentence. Doherty was also granted a criminal behaviour order which prevents him from entering the town centre and other retail outlets.

"On Monday, November 25, Doherty was released from court and took it upon himself to commit another shoplifting offence stealing items from The Thrifty’s store on Union Rd Oswaldtwistle.

"Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing team officers commenced enquiries to trace Doherty which led to his arrest in Rishton on Wednesday , November 27.

"Doherty was again interviewed and again charged and remanded in custody.

"Upon appearing at local magistrates court he was handed a 22-week prison sentence which will see him spend the festive period in prison."