A "polite" shoplifter racked up 32 offences over the course of three months while stealing to "repay a debt out of desperation".

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Dean Green-Lynch walked out with property worth more than £2,000 in chocolate, meat, groceries, clothes, biscuits and tubs of Lurpak butter.

He was sometimes challenged by staff and while he was always polite and respectful never returned the goods, the court was told.

Green-Lynch, 32, of Moorgate Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to 32 charges of theft.

He was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, with 12 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours unpaid work.

He was made subject to a criminal behaviour order for two years which prohibits him from entering Sainsburys in Preston Old Road, Blackburn, the Co-op and Tesco Express in Livesey Branch Road, and the One Stop shop in Brother Street.

Deputy District Judge Laura Nash said it seemed to her Green-Lynch was at a crossroads having spent three weeks in a category A prison waiting to be sentenced.

“I am sure that hasn’t been easy for you,” she said.

“Hopefully it has given you an insight into what life will be like if you continue to offend. I wish you the best of luck.”

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said Green-Lynch had become well known in the shops he kept stealing from.

“When he is confronted he is not nasty but he doesn’t give the property back,” said Mr Tindall.

Peter King, mitigating, said the three weeks in Liverpool prison were the first he had spent in custody.

“He has found it very difficult,” said Mr King.

He said his client did not have substance abuse or gambling problems.

At the time of the offences he had a debt because of damage he had caused to a motorbike.

“He got into a state of desperation and in an effort to manage his affairs he started stealing,” said Mr King.

“He didn’t cause problems for staff and can only be described as a polite thief.”