A MAN who was given a chance by a District Judge re-offended less than 12 hours later.

Blackburn magistrates heard Christopher Costello left court on Monday and on the same day returned to the scene of his previous offence where he assaulted a member of staff and threatened to smash up the shop.

When he appeared back before the same court on Wednesday the magistrates said they had no option but to send him to prison.

Costello, 59, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of staff at the Admiral Casino on Market Street, Colne and making threats to damage the shop.

He was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay £114 victim surcharge on release. The community order with an alcohol treatment requirement, which was imposed on Monday was revoked.

Antonia Walters, prosecuting, said Costello had pleaded guilty on Monday to causing damage to a glass door panel at Admiral Casino.

“At 9.45pm police were contacted by staff at the shop who said Costello, who was barred, had turned up at the shop in a drunken condition.

“A member of staff told him he was barred and tried to prevent him from entering,” said Miss Walters.

“The defendant responded by grabbing him round the throat and pinning him against a wall. He told him to call the police or he would smash the place up.”

Miss Walters said Costello had 201 convictions for 417 offences which clearly aggravated the offence.

David Lawson, defending, said his client was realistic and knew the magistrates had to impose a custodial sentence.

“District Judge Preston gave him an opportunity on Monday but she also made it clear that if he committed any further offences he wouldn’t be given another chance,” said Mr Lawson.

“When he went to Admiral Casino just hours after leaving court he effectively said he wanted to go back to prison.”