A PROLIFIC shoplifter faces a lengthy jail term after breaching an anti-social behaviour order just days after being released from prison.

Magistrates heard Michael Aspin - previously banned from Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley town centres - was made subject to his second ASBO when he was convicted of theft offences in August and jailed for eight months.

But after hearing he had been arrested inside the Matalan store 11 days after his release the magistrates ruled their maximum penalty of six months was insufficient and committed Aspin to the Crown Court for sentence.

Aspin shouted abuse at the magistrates after they refused bail pending sentence and broke down in tears as he spoke to his girlfriend through the dock security screen. He was removed from the dock by three security officers.

Aspin, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to breaching the order at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said Aspin breached his first ASBO on eight separate occasions. He said Aspin had a 96 convictions for 152 offences, primarily shoplifting.

In January he was jailed for shoplifting and breach of his first ASBO; in May he was given a conditional discharge for shoplifting and in June he was jailed for one month, again for shoplifting. The sentence imposed in August was for shoplifting offences committed in July and August.

"As a result of than sentence he was not released until November 25 and by December 6 he was in breach of the Asbo imposed at the same time," said Mr Standage. "That order specifically prevents him entering 64 named retail outlets including the Arndale Centre and the Accrington Market Hall in their entirety."

Ian Huggan, defending, said Aspin was a "troubled individual" who has a long-standing heroin addiction.

He referred to slash wounds on his client's wrists and said there were markers on his custody record warning of the dangers of self-harm.

He said Aspin's long-term partner had warned Aspin that unless he could make some progress she did not want him to come and live with her when she moves home in two weeks' time.