A MAN with a “multitude” of theft offences on his record has been jailed after he was caught stealing cleaning items.

Blackburn magistrates heard the offence put Colin John Hamer in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed in December.

Hamer, 35, of Parkinson Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of goods worth £28 from Wilko in February and harassing his ex-partner between April 30 and May 4

The 18-week suspended sentence was activated in full with a further 16 weeks for the latest shoplifting offence. There was no separate penalty for the harassment offence but he was made subject to a restraining order for two years which prevents him having any contact with his ex-partner.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said the shoplifting offence was straightforward and Hamer had been detained by security as he left with the stolen property.

He said Hamer had been in an on-off relationship with the victim of the harassment for 17 years. He had been sleeping rough for most of 2020 and she occasionally let him sleep on her sofa.

“She says he just turns up and bangs on her door and she eventually had enough,” said Mr Bardsley. “In March he was warned by the police to stay away.”

During the period of the harassment charge Hamer turned up at her home three times banging on doors and windows and asking to be let in.

On one occasion he climbed onto the kitchen roof and was banging on an upstairs window.

Peter King, defending, said his client’s behaviour had not involved any violence or threats of violence.

“It is clear that in the past she has admitted him to her home,” said Mr King.

“As recently as April 23 she allowed him to stay on her sofa. He recognises the relationship is over but he still considers them friends and is interested in her welfare.”