A thief with almost 100 offences on his record stole from the Co-op just weeks after being released from prison.
Richard Brown, of Wheatgrass Road, Chilwell, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and two counts of theft at Nottingham Crown Court.
Brown, 41, returned to shoplifting just three weeks after he was released from prison for similar offences.
Mark Knowles, prosecuting, said: "Mr Brown had only just been released from a 12-week sentence for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order yet again.
"It was December 15, just into the afternoon at the Co-op in Bramcote Lane, Chilwell, when he made an effort to enter the store.
"The staff clearly knew Mr Brown and they prevented him being able to get in, and the police were called. He was arrested for breach of the Criminal Behaviour Order.
"He was taken to the police station and whilst he was there, there were further investigations and staff indicated he had been caught on CCTV on December 13 which showed him entering the same store where he stole alcohol to the tune of £93.
"He went back to the same store at 5pm and stole meat to the tune of £55.
"The serious aspect is the regularity with which he breaches the orders. He's got an extensive history of shop thefts and dishonesty. He has some 97 offences for theft and similar matters and various other matters relating to court orders."
Defending, Emma Hodgson said the defendant has "a lengthy history of offending with a background of drug addiction".
She said: "I understand the defendant had been released three weeks prior to the offences.
"He instructs me that he was waiting for a benefits claim to come through, was struggling financially and that led to him resorting to his old habits.
"He's on a methadone programme and does have accommodation."
Recorder Graham Huston handed Brown a six-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a drug rehabilitation requirement.
He said: "There isn't a great deal of confidence that he will comply completely but the court can only hope that some progress will be made.
"I doubt many other judges would've given you the opportunity today and I'm pretty confident that no other judge will give you the opportunity in the future. This is a last chance saloon and I very much hope you take advantage of it."
